By Tim O’Meilia
Former alderman Karen Wiggins was appointed unanimously by the Briny Breezes Town Council to fill the seat of Lowen Poock, who died unexpectedly Aug. 9.
Wiggins, who has lived in the town/mobile home park since 2004, was the only resident to express interest in the post, Council President Sharon Kendrigan said.
“Mrs. Wiggins was with us once before, then left to serve on the corporation board and we’re very glad to have her back,” Kendrigan said.
Wiggins, 70, will fill the seven months remaining in Poock’s two-year term. She also was appointed to fill Poock’s position on the town’s three-member audit committee, which is in the process of interviewing firms to audit the town’s books, as required by state law.
“I like politics. I take after my father,” joked Wiggins after the council’s Aug. 23 meeting. “I like arguing.”
She said she wanted a part “in hopefully guiding a small community to a future cohesiveness.”
Wiggins was first elected in 2008 when she was unopposed for a two-year term as alderman. She was unopposed again in 2010 but resigned to accept a one-year term on the board of directors of Briny Breezes Inc., which owns the park.
She said she had a career in sales and lived in San Diego before settling in Briny Breezes.
“Every job evaluation I’ve ever had said I lacked tact and diplomacy,” she said. “But if you want the truth, ask [me].”
Alderman Sue Thaler suggested advertising the vacancy for a month, as the council did when Thaler was appointed in May to fill Kathleen Bray’s post. But the council decided otherwise.
“We’re just glad to have someone willing to serve,” Kendrigan said.
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