Carrie Tergin honored for six years on City Council

New council takes its seat

Outgoing council member Carrie Tergin thanks members of the City Council and other city officials after serving six years as a representative of the 4th Ward.
Outgoing council member Carrie Tergin thanks members of the City Council and other city officials after serving six years as a representative of the 4th Ward.

"Passion." "Tenacious." "Dedicated." "Enthusiastic." "Friend."

Those are the words members of the Jefferson City Council used to describe outgoing 4th Ward Councilwoman Carrie Tergin at her last council meeting Monday.

Tergin lost her bid for re-election to Glen Costales by 47 votes in the April 8 election. Tergin had been seeking her final term on the council after six years of service.

Mayor Eric Struemph presented Tergin with a key to the city for her outstanding service. Struemph, in carrying on a tradition began by former Mayor John Landwehr, described Tergin in one word - passion. Whether it was the city's smoking ban or the introduction of single-stream recycling, Struemph said Tergin always threw herself into a project.

"When Carrie took on a project, she was always, always passionate about it," Struemph said.

Other council members expressed their appreciation for Tergin, many noting they will miss her on the council.

Third Ward Councilman Bob Scrivner said Tergin forced him to really think about the positions he took and though he will miss her on the council, Scrivner said he looks forward to continuing their friendship.

"I really enjoy the challenge that you brought to me," Scriver said.

In saying her goodbyes, Tergin thanked the 4th Ward voters for allowing her to serve for six years, as well as her family and employees at Carrie's Hallmark.

Tergin said she was never afraid to speak her mind and noted the many times she was the sole opposition to council decisions, including the firing of former City Administrator Nathan Nickolaus last year, which she called "disrespectful."

"I just didn't like how that happened," Tergin said. "Nathan fought hard for city employees."

Tergin said she's extremely proud of her six years on the council and hopes the city continues to move forward in a progressive way. When asked if she'll remain active in city issues, Tergin said yes, but did not specify whether she plans to run for office again.

"I'm not done," Tergin said.

After the council took care of old business, the new council was sworn in, though the only brand new council member was Costales.