St. Michael City Council Chooses Schumm to Replace Weston

It was the subtle, yet necessary act in a career of service that spanned more than a decade.

Cindy Weston, as her fellow members and her mayor had put forth a motion to appoint Chris Schumm of as her replacement, chimed in.

"I will recuse myself from the vote," she said with a smile.

Indeed, it was standard order. But Schumm recognized the large shoes he would have to fill, serving out the remainder of Weston's four-year term, which expires in the fall of next year.

"Cindy has done a lot for the community. She's been a big part of the changes here," Schumm said. "It's an honor."

Schumm becomes the newest member on a council that has gone from time-tested and tenured to very "young" in community service terms. Joe Marx, though involved for serveral years on various committees, was appointed to finish a term just two years ago. Nadine Schoen was elected in 2010. Now Schumm has joined in 2011.

He'll be seated and sworn in at the first meeting in December, which is, traditionally, a huge meeting for St. Michael. The council will look over the final numbers for the 2012 budget and host its truth-in-taxation hearings.

Schumm ran for office in 2010 and finished third, behind Schoen and Kevin Kassel. He's been involved in various committees, and works at DJ's in Albertville in their heating and cooling service.

"Chris has been attending the meetings for a while. He's on top of it," said Marx as he nominated Schumm for the open seat.

Weston, who served St. Michael on the planning and zoning commission and the St. Michael Daze and Knights Committee, over the Thanksgiving weekend.

"I expect I'll be involved down there in some capacity before I know it," she said. "It's a bittersweet thing."