ELBERTA, Ala.— John Conti is the newest member of the Elberta Town Council.

During its regular meeting Tuesday, the Council unanimously voted to appoint Konti to fill the seat vacated by the resignation of Don Koontz in June.

Conti was one of three applicants to vie for the position. However, only he and opponent James Stacey of the Miflin community, addressed the Council Tuesday, as Victoria Knapp was not present.

In his address, Stacey pointed to his experience in business, particularly the restaurant industry. He said that background could be applied to serving on the Town Council.

“I do understand when it’s a fiscal issue,” Stacey said.

He added that the town should take advantage of its location.

“”We’re on Highway 98,” Stacey said.

But Conti won the position after giving an impassioned speech.

“Having a life of service to this country in my career in the United States Marine Corps, also while serving in many communities where we’ve lived, and now actively serving the residents of our town, I would like to para[paraphrase a challenge from a mid-20th century presidential speech to the residents of Elberta,” he said, “Ask not what the town of Elberta can do for you. Ask what you can do for the town of Elberta.”

With Councilwoman Alma Doege absent, the Council unanimously voted to appoint Conti to the position.

Since Conti and his wife Kim retired and moved to Elberta, they have served in a variety of roles in the town, including the decorating the four downtown corners last fall as part of the Beautification Committee, decorating the Elberta Civic Center entrance for Thanksgiving Day Dinner and as honorary public relations officer for the Elberta Police Department. Konti was also instrumental in helping the town work with Municode Corporation to codify its ordinances.

Following Tuesday’s vote, Mayor Marvin Williams thanked Stacey.

“I really do appreciate your application,” he said. “In another two year’s we’ve have another election, and I’d like to see your name on the ballot.”

“OK,” Stacey replied.

Councilman Jim Hamby told Stacey not to wait until then to get involved.

“If you’ve got any ideas, let us know,” he said.