“Leadership, integrity, and commitment” were all words used to describe outgoing Councilman Frank Czekay and Deputy Mayor Lauren Kochan at the last Medford council meeting of 2023.
Czekay and Kochan, both Republicans, did not run for reelection. Mayor Charles “Chuck” Watson presented plaques to both of them at the Dec. 19 session.
“Frank and I got sworn in on the same day 12 years ago,” Watson shared. “Our (Republican Party) teams ran against each other when we started, but we came to work together very well and worked together for 12 years.
“You are going to be missed especially during budget time,” he added. “I appreciate the relationship we’ve grown together personally and working with you as a councilman.”
Kochan leaves after serving one term.
“I appreciate all (your) time and efforts and you will be missed here,” Watson told her.
Czekay served on council from 2012 to last month, with stints as mayor in 2013 and deputy mayor in 2019 and 2022.
“Your leadership, fiscal management, integrity and commitment are an example to all elected officials,” notes the plaque given to Czekay.
The same words are on the plaque for Kochan, who was a councilwoman from 2020 to 2022 and deputy mayor last year.
Council is scheduled to reorganize on Jan. 2 with the swearing in of Republicans Bethany J. Milk and Michael A. Czyzyk, who won two open seats in the November election. They are serving their first three-year terms, joining Watson and fellow members Erik Rebstock and Donna Symons.
