A year of change is coming in Evansville government. Here's what to watch for.
EVANSVILLE — This year's election set up a lot to watch as 2024 begins with a historic mayoral inauguration and new faces on Evansville's city council.
Mayor-elect Stephanie Terry's move into the office likely also means new people in crucial city positions.
Here are a few things for city residents to keep an eye on.
Who will lead Evansville's police and fire departments?
The city's police and fire departments could both see a new chief under a new administration.
It's typical for a new mayor to shake up leadership of city departments, especially if it's a new party, as is the case with the Deomratic Terry succeeding outgoing Republican Mayor Lloyd Winnecke.
Terry announced in late November she and her transition team were taking applications through mid-December for additions to her administration, including police and fire chief.
Current police chief Billy Bolin was a vocal supporter of Terry throughout the election and her campaign, though the rank-and-file, represented by the local Fraternal Order of Police, did not share that sentiment.
More: Here's why Evansville's top cop is taking a stand in the race for mayor
The FOP, which has a history of dissatisfaction with Bolin's leadership, supported Republican candidate Natalie Rascher in the election. The fire department union also selected Rascher as its choice for the next mayor, with then-chief Mike Connelly supporting her visibly on social media and campaign events.
Before the Nov. 7 election, Connelly quietly (and abruptly) resigned from his role as chief. He'd held the position for 12 years in Winnecke's administration. Paul Anslinger was chosen to take over the role.
There's nothing to say Terry can't keep department heads in their roles, if they choose to reapply.
Voters who wanted to see some shift in leadership, or hoped it would stay the same, should keep an eye on who Terry chooses for two of the most visible appointed roles in city government.
Stephanie Terry's leadership style, public engagement
As a multi-year public office holder and non-profit executive director, Terry came into the election with a resume outlining leadership experience.
But what will that look like in the mayor's office?
Throughout her campaign, Terry held a listening tour which took her to each city ward and targeted certain demographics such as the city's Latino population and members of the LGBT community.
She's also pledged to re-start an initiative that was popular under mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel — the education roundtable.
More: Stephanie Terry is days away from being Evansville's mayor. Here's what on her mind.
Her mayor-elect website offer city residents the chance to share their thoughts.
"I love hearing from the people of Evansville and want to know what’s on your mind," the site reads. "Please share your ideas and concerns so that we can continue to build a bright future in Evansville."
All of this points to an administration open to hearing from the community. Voters will be able to see if that continues, and translates to potential implementation of ideas, once she's officially in office.
Brand new faces on the Evansville City Council
The city council will have brand new members this year in its three at-large representatives.
Democrats Mary Allen, Courtney Johnson and Paul Green are all new to politics, and came away with big wins in their first tries for public office.
The three Democrats will join Ben Trockman, Zac Heronemus, Missy Mosby, Alex Burton and Jim Brinkmeyer to make up the eight-person Democratic majority on the 2024 city council.
Angela Koehler Lindsey will be the lone Republican next year.
As the group dives into a new year, their constituents will be able to watch how the new members blend in with the group, and what sort of impact the Democratic majority will have.
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Who will Stephanie Terry pick for Evansville police chief, fire chief?
