5-14-13 charter communications manager appears to be council choice to fill vacancy

A manager at Charter Communications appears to have the inside track to fill a vacant seat on the Fond du lac city council.  Following interviews with six finalists Monday night the council narrowed the field to three…with Karyn Merkel receiving four votes,  and one each for Lynn Farr and Ron Schmitz.  Council president Sam Meyer says the council will meet again at noon Friday to make a final selection.  Meyer says he supports Merkel and says she seems to be a well rounded person who would fit nicely on the council.  Meyer notes that Merkel has been involved over the years on several city boards and commissions.  "She currently serves on the Redevelopment Authority.  She has served on the Parks Board.  There's a whole litany of different boards and committees that she has volunteered with,"  Meyer said.  "She has some experience with Leadership Fond du lac through the Association of Commerce.  A pretty deep bench there and would bring a lot to our council."    The other finalists interviewed Monday included Nicholas Stoffel, Philip Shepherd and JoEllyn Heinkel.