Ishpeming City Councilman Jason Chapman takes the oath of office from Ishpeming City Clerk Cathy Smith on Tuesday. Chapman was unanimously appointed to fill the council seat vacated by former mayor Karl Lehmann who resigned in October. (Journal photo by Lisa Bowers)

ISHPEMING — A former aide to state Rep. Sara Cambensy will now be able to add city councilman to his resume.

The Ishpeming City Council unanimously voted during a special meeting on Tuesday to appoint Jason Chapman, who managed Sara Cambensy’s special election campaign in 2017, to fill the remaining year of former Mayor Karl Lehmann’s three-year term.

Lehmann announced his resignation effective Oct. 26 because he was moving out of the city.

Chapman was one of two people to file a nominating petition with the required number of signatures and an affidavit of identity for the open position, according to Ishpeming City Clerk Cathy Smith.

Former city Councilman Justin Koski, who is the current director of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, also filed a petition for the position.

Councilman Pat Scanlon said both candidates were well qualified for the position.

“I have been on the council twice before as councilman, (Stu) Skauge has, and this is one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make, because we have two people who I know are sincere about their commitment to the city … It’s nice to have two fine people like this stand up and say I want to help the city,” Scanlon said.

Chapman, who currently owns his own business, said he looks forward to working with the council and continuing to foster economic development in the area.

“I love our downtown, I want to see that thrive again,” Chapman said. “With a little bit of work I think we can get there. I just want to give back to the community the best I can.”

During Tuesday’s meeting, Chapman was also appointed to a subcommittee on employee health care.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.