Vermilion City Council voted Wednesday, Jan. 28 to fill the vacant Ward 1 seat, selecting a former council member with multiple prior terms of service.
During the appointment process, council members each nominated a candidate for the Ward 1 position. According to the meeting record, Councilman Drew Werley nominated Jonathan Hauck, while several other council members nominated John Gabriel. After the first round of voting, Gabriel received a majority of the nominations and was appointed to fill the vacancy.
Council then voted to swear Gabriel in as Ward 1 councilperson and Mayor Russ Owens administered the Oath of Office immediately thereafter.
In a statement provided after the meeting, Gabriel said he was willing to serve again and felt his experience could be helpful during a period of transition for the city.
“I was, of course, happy to serve again, though I would understand if they wanted a new face,” Gabriel said. “I enjoy public service, though I never thought I would become the old veteran in city politics when I first served in 2008 — it just kind of happened. With a new mayor and a couple of new council members, I felt I should stick around to help with the transition. Really that is the gist of it.”
Gabriel’s prior service includes terms as Ward 1 representative in 2008–09 and 2018–19, service as council president in 2012–13, and interim council president roles in 2023 and 2025.
The appointment fills the Ward 1 seat as council continues its regular business and committee work.
The Ward 1 appointment and swearing-in occur during the Jan. 28 City Council meeting towards the end of the meeting.
Watch the full City Council meeting on SuiteOneMedia