KAYSVILLE -- Although he fell short in the vote tally in November's election, the Kaysville City Council demonstrated to Mark Johnson that they didn't feel it was any reflection on his ability to serve. Johnson was unanimously selected from a group of 11 potential candidates at Thursday night's council meeting and appointed as a council member. The appointment was made to fill a vacancy left when Neka Roundy was successfully elected mayor, also in November's election. "I am excited with the thought of serving our community," Johnson told the council. He received 2,178 votes in November's election, but that was not enough to defeat Lynn Galbraith and Gil Miller who were sworn into office earlier this month. John Thacker, City Manager, administered the oath of office to Johnson immediately after the announcement of his appointment.

Prior to the vote, the city council conducted a public interview of 10 of the individuals who had submitted an application for consideration. One candidate was not able to attend the interview due to a previous commitment. During the interview, several council members expressed their awe at the impressive qualifications of the candidate pool. "I am certainly not as qualified as many of you are," said council member Casey Hill.

Patrick Buchanan, the fourth candidate in November's election, had applied for the appointment but informed the council that he was removing himself from consideration and requested that the council withdraw his name.

Johnson's experience with youth in the Kaysville community as an educator in the church education system of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, played a significant role in his appointment. Neka Roundy, mayor, also assigned him as the council liaison to the city's Youth Council and Youth Court later in that same meeting.

"I am really excited about our community. I love our town and the feel of it. I want it to remain a family friendly community," said Johnson during his council interview. To ensure that Kaysville retains its character, as a council member, Johnson plans to focus on promoting economic growth while protecting Kaysville's neighborhoods from commercial development, implementing new marketing strategies for Kaysville's commercial districts, park development and the creation of new historical markers.

Although only a single position on the council was available Thursday night, the council warned those who were not appointed that they would likely be called upon to serve in other capacities with the city. Both Roundy and Galbraith applied for appointment to the council earlier in their careers. Unsuccessful candidates were also encouraged to seek election at the next municipal election in 2007.