Lents appointed to Bainbridge Town Council

BAINBRIDGE -- There's a new man in town.

Well, he's not exactly new, as he was officially "born and raised" in Bainbridge, but the newly named council member will now have the chance to affect changes at a political level.

Jerry Lents, a Vietnam veteran and 35-year manager of Balkamp, was officially sworn in as an appointed council member Monday at Bainbridge.

Origianlly from Bainbridge, Lents may provide an inside look into the vaious issues the town may face in the coming future.

In a special session held in the Bainbridge Town Hall, current members of the council spoke briefly before appointing Lents to the town's second ward.

Though the meeting went quickly, officials stated that two previous meetings had already been held to discuss Lents' appointment.

Lents, who was present for his installation, said after the meeting that he is "going to do [his] best for the people."

"The election is in November, but they just appointed me today," Lents said in a brief interview with the Banner Graphic Monday. "I'm here to do what's best for the town."

Lents has spent 40 years with Balkamp, NAPA's private purchasing company, overseeing multiple warehouses while simultaneously supervising up to 360 employees.

That, Lents said, will benefit himself and the town at-large, as he is accustomed to that sort of attention -- assisting employees with their concerns while managing the warehouse(s).

The reason for a special session to appoint a new council member Monday can be explained by the exit of former Second Ward Councilwoman Bonnie Osborn, who recently resigned from her seat due to relocating to the third ward.

Lents, like Osborn, will be officially seeking election for their respective second and third wards this November.

When asked about the upcoming elections and the stresses typically endured by political candidates, Lents said, "I don't get too stressed out," adding that keeping a cool head in tough situations is vital to such a position -- and area in which he possesses extensive experience.

Lents, now officially dubbed councilman of the Second Ward, will use said-experiences, as well as his former military involvement to do everything in his power "for the good of people."