Phil Brooks sworn in as Gambier Council member

GAMBIER — Gambier has a new council member to ring in the new year. 

Mayor Leeman Kessler swore in Phil Brooks on Monday night at January’s regular council meeting. 

Brooks replaced former council member Natalie Wright, who is taking a six-month sabbatical in Florida, Kessler said.

Village administrator R.C. Wise said council rules require members not to miss three or more meetings in a row. 

Wright, who was elected to council in 2021, resigned at December’s council meeting, Wise said. 

Professionally, Brooks writes poetry “consciousness,” he said, a form of art he’s worked in since 1983.

Brooks heard about the opening from Kessler, after Wright’s position opened.

Brooks was previously on council from 2020 to 2021, he said.