Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. 7 Fire Chief Howard Rinewalt declined his appointment to serve as Roman Forest Position 3 council member, according to a May 20 Facebook post.
The details
Rinewalt was nominated and appointed to the position during the council’s May 18 meeting. The appointment came about two months after former Position 3 council member Jerry Reasner announced his resignation following the death of a family member.
Rinewalt said he decided to decline his appointment to the position after hearing feedback from other residents.
“I’ve been a resident of this community for 13 years, and when the opportunity arose, my intention was simply to help serve, learn, and contribute positively to the city I care about,” Rinewalt said in the post. “While I truly appreciate the confidence and support shown to me, I also respect that many community members were passionate about wanting a different direction.”
Rinewalt said in the post he believes the voices of the residents matter.
“I believe listening to the community is important, and I never wanted my appointment to become a source of division within the city,” Rinewalt said.
What’s next
Roman Forest City Administrator Scott Castleberry said council members will likely consider a new nominee to serve as Position 3 council member at the council’s June 22 meeting.
Officials noted whoever is eventually appointed will serve on the council until the position is up for reelection in November.
