MOUNT VERNON — The members of the Republican Central Committee in the Second Ward met Wednesday evening and appointed John Ruckman Jr to the vacant Mount Vernon 2nd Ward city council position.
Ruckman had filed for the position this winter, was unopposed in the primary, and was going to be unopposed in November. He will still be on the November ballot as this appointment only fills the vacant seat until the end of the current term in December.
Ruckman is an auctioneer with The Ruckman Group. He, his wife, and their seven children live on West Gambier Street. He and his wife have lived in the second ward for 10 years.
“John Ruckman will be a great addition to City Council. He has been deeply involved in the community, and he brings good business sense as well as a great work ethic to council,” Thom Collier, Knox County Republican Party chairman, said.
Ruckman fills the seat of former Councilman John Francis, who resigned at the end of the June 12 council meeting after 11 1/2 years on city council. Francis cited conflicts with his work hours as the reason for his resignation.
“Former Councilman John Francis served the community well. He was committed to the people of the second ward and the city as a whole. His energy and experience will be missed on council. He left big shoes to fill,” Collier said.
