New face fills role on Kenbridge Town Council

The newest member of the Kenbridge Town Council, Mike Bender (right), is sworn in last week by Kenbridge Town Attorney Cal Spencer. Brian Nowlin photo

By Brian Nowlin, Staff Writer

KENBRIDGE – While the positions on the Kenbridge Town Council will be up for election this May, there has been a change to the group this month as Sallie Glenn officially asked to step down from the group for personal reasons.

Kenbridge Mayor Emory Hodges stated, “The Mayor has the power to appoint a person to fill vacancies on town council in between elections.“ He went on to appoint Mike Bender to fill the position. Other council members approved the appointment and the Kenbridge Town Attorney quickly swore in Bender so that he could participate in the February meeting.

Bender stated, “I would like to thank Mayor Hodges for giving me this opportunity. My wife and I plan to raise our kids here. We love this little town we have here and I hope I can contribute to the town.”

Mayor Hodges stated, “I think Mike will be a big asset to the town council.”

He continued, “We appreciate you taking on this challenge.”

Bender, his wife, Courtney, and their children live on 5th Avenue in Kenbridge. He is also an engineer at Southside Electric.