The Cumberland County Commission tonight overwhelmingly voted for Colleen Mall to fill the vacant 9^th district seat. There were five candidates to be considered by the county commission. One of them, Nico CearGeo, withdrew his name from consideration prior to the meeting. That left Mall, Carmin Lynch, Larry Brilliant and Mark Rosser. Each candidate was given a chance to address the commission on why they wanted to serve.

Larry Brilliant spoke first. He told the commission he has a professional career spanning over 40 years, mostly in executive management. “I strongly feel I can preserve, protect and act in the best interest as county commissioner if selected,” said Brilliant.

Carmin Lynch addressed the commission next. Lynch, a former Cumberland County Commissioner of 10 years, told members he believes he has the support of the 9^th district and can immediately help out the commission with their goals. Lynch indicated in the meeting he would not seek to run in the August 2020 election if chosen tonight by the commission.

Colleen Mall was third to speak to the county commission. “I know I do not have government experience. I have no hidden agenda and I have managed several hospitals in the Kansas City area. I will work very hard to represent the citizens of the 9^th district and Cumberland County,” said Mall.

Mark Rosser spoke last. A former interim police chief for the Crossville Police Department and current captain for the Fairfield Glade Police Department, Rosser said he has many years in public service and his heart is in Cumberland County. “I can represent the citizens of the 9^th district to the best of my ability,” said Rosser.

It came time for the county commission to nominate a candidate for the seat. Commissioner Patterson nominated Brilliant, Commissioner Cooper nominated Rosser and Commissioner Stone selected Mall. The vote was called for. Brilliant and Rosser each received one vote while Mall got the rest. Commissioner Wendell Wilson was the only county commissioner absent from the meeting tonight.

County Mayor Allen Foster gave Mall the oath of office then Mall took her seat on the commission for the remainder of the meeting.

Mall will serve until the seat comes up for election in August 2020.

Mall has a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Avila College in Kansas City, Missouri and a Master’s of Science degree in nursing from the University of Kansas. She has 13 years of nursing management and 5 years as a program analyst and emergency services specialist for the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C. She retired in 2011 as a Colonel in the United States Army after 29 years of service. She moved to Fairfield Glade in 2013.