Chipman appointed city council member to replace Fowler

The Weiser City Council on Monday voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Marg Chipman as its newest councilmember.

 Chipman, who served a total of 29 years as a Weiser School District trustee, was greeted with a warm welcome and was anxious to join the group after taking the oath of office during the Aug. 14 meeting.

 She was appointed following former city councilwoman Alicia Fowler’s unexpected resignation in June.

 Fowler, who was re-elected to the seat in 2021, worked as a North Star Realty Team member at Select Properties, LLC and was the owner and director of Dance Extreme 2.0., a studio dedicated to teaching the art of dance in various genres, including ballet and jazz, cheer, and hip-hop, as well as disciplines in tumbling and fitness. 

 According to Mayor Randy Hibberd, Fowler stated in her letter of resignation that she was moving out of the area and would no longer be able to serve as a council member. Her term was set to expire at the end of 2025.

 Chipman said the opportunity came as a complete surprise.

 “City council was not something I ever considered, but I am excited about the opportunity,” she told the Signal American Monday morning before that evening’s council meeting. “There is going to be a learning curve. If they choose to accept me, I’ll take my seat tonight and have to start making decisions. It’s a big responsibility.”

 Hibberd said that Chipman’s name was at the top of a short list when he and council president, Layna Hafer, sat down and discussed various candidates to fill the vacancy.

 “Marg agreed to fill the spot, at least through the end of the term,” he said. “I am very honored that she would consider doing this. She will be a great addition to the council.”

 Chipman said she is contemplating the upcoming election to retain the seat once her current term has expired.

 “I know the filing period is coming right up, so it’s going to have to be a real quick decision,” she said. “But I am certainly considering it and planning in that direction. I’m anxious to get in there and listen and learn.”

 Chipman said she welcomes the opportunity to serve a city that has meant so much to her over the years.

 “We’ve lived here since 1971 and I just really feel like I need to give back to the community that has been so good to me,” she said. “My husband and I have lived here a long time, and raised our son here, and I’m very fond of the city of Weiser. I hope that I can contribute something in keeping Weiser a great community and helping it move forward and rise to all the challenges a city faces.” Watch for future election information in the Weiser Signal American.