Mary West Sworn in as Ward 4 Councilwoman

Mary West was sworn in on Tuesday night as the new city council representative for Ward 4, which includes part of the area north of Interstate 94 and southwest of Interstate 70. (See Ward Map Here)

Mayor Sally Faith appointed West to the position after former Ward 4 Councilman Bob Kneemiller resigned on Nov. 23.

Kneemiller was reelected to the postition earlier this year.

West formerly served on the city council from 1995 to 2000. She was first appointed by former Mayor Grace Nichols to fill a vacancy on the council.

"History does repeat itself," she said. "I'd like to thank Mayor Faith for once again giving me the chance to represent the residents of Ward 4."

West was a member of the Tax Increment Financing Commission which earlier this year voted 8-4 not to support . West was among three people who were in favor of the TIF.

West also has served as a board member for various groups including the , Barat Academy, and Streetscape Magazine.

The city council unanimously approved West's nomination. West will serve until a special election is called to fill the position. Some council members have suggested it would be most cost-effective to have the special election during the August primary in 2012 or the November 2012 general election.

Council member Dave Beckering, Ward 7, said Tuesday he'd like the council to discuss dates in the first meeting of 2012.

Council president Mike Klinghammer, Ward 8, told West she had big shoes to fill as Kneemiller was the "detail guy" on the council.

"We all look forward to working with you," he said.

An earlier version of this article incorrectly spelled Bob Kneemiller's last name.