Gordon Gauss appointed to fill Lenawee County District 5 seat

Gordon Gauss was appointed Sept. 28 to fill the District 5 seat on the Lenawee County Board of Commissioners and was immediately sworn in.

The special meeting convened to replace the late Commissioner Jim Daley. After the board accepted nominations and took a roll-call vote, the chair announced, "Mister Gauss is appointed." County Clerk Roxanne Holloway then administered the oath of office.

Gauss told the board he is "humbled" by the appointment and said he looks forward to "serving with you." "Again, I appreciate the opportunity. I truly am humbled and it's a real honor to be here sitting in Jim's chair," he said after taking the oath.

Commissioners framed the decision as difficult because all three finalists had ties to Daley and to District 5. One commissioner who voted in favor later said the board had to weigh experience in local government and knowledge of county operations when choosing an appointee.

The appointment was recorded by roll call and the chair welcomed Gauss to his desk. No formal term end date was discussed during the meeting; commissioners said he will serve the remainder of Daley's unexpired term and participate in standing committees as assigned.