Mayor picks Matrisciano, council approves

WALLACE — During a special meeting last week, the Wallace City Council unanimously approved a recommendation to appoint Richard Matrisciano to the council.

Former councilman Dave DeRoos resigned from his position recently leaving an empty seat on the panel.

Wallace Mayor Lynn Mogensen was thankful for DeRoos’ service to his city and was very clear that the former councilman was irreplaceable as a fixture in the Wallace community.

Mogensen took the point position in searching for a new councilman, and while several names were thrown around as potential options, only one person submitted a resume — a lengthy resume — and that was from Matrisciano.

“We had a few people that submitted their names, that they were interested in the position,” Mogensen said. “I had one that submitted quite a lengthy resume. I went and talked to council members, to citizens of Wallace, just to get a feel for what people want. No offense to any of those other people, it was a tough decision, but my recommendation is Richard Matrisciano.”

Matrisciano is a relative newcomer to Wallace, only moving into the area a few years ago — but Mogensen feels that he has the right temperament for the position.

While the board unanimously voted in favor of the appointment, there was discussion following the mayor’s recommendation concerning Matrisciano’s visibility around the community.

Councilwoman Heather Branstetter discussed a lack of prior civic involvement and the lack of locals knowing who Matrisciano was as potential concerns.

“I would say that I don’t think it’s a bad thing that he doesn’t know people,” Mogensen said. “He’s not in a clique — and we all know there are cliques in this town. And I think that was one of my big priorities — I wanted somebody that’s neutral, fair and honest. Not saying that these other people aren’t neutral, fair and honest.”

The city of Wallace held its special meeting on March 29, and currently isn’t planning to have a meeting in April.

Matrisciano would need to be sworn in prior to making any decisions on the council — so another special meeting may be scheduled with the purpose of swearing him in. Otherwise, he will be sworn in during the regular May meeting of the Wallace City Council.

For more information, please contact Wallace City Hall at 208-752-1147.