Galesburg City Council on Monday approved Kevin Wallace as the newest member of the Council by a unanimous vote.
This now brings the Council to a full 7 members for the first time since April.
Mayor Peter Schwartzman nominated Wallace in part because of a diverse background that includes working with youth, criminal justice, and the railroad.
Wallace replaces Lindsay Hillery who resigned from office after a pair of felony charges for meth and battery.
Ward 6 Alderwoman Sarah Davis says that the process brought out a number of qualified candidates but she was impressed with Wallace’s background in diversity.
All of the Aldermen individually welcomed Wallace even before the official vote was taken.
Schwartzman says he’s glad to have Wallace, completing what he says is now a full and active council.
“I believe we have 7 councilors who will return your call, and take your call and listen to you,” Schwartzman says. “That’s truly an amazing thing in our community so I’m very thankful for that.”
Wallace’s background includes serving on BNSF’s Kansas Division Diversity and Inclusion Council, an NAACP member, serving on the YMCA’s Board of Directors, and working with youth through the Upward Bound program and coaching youth basketball.