Councilwoman Gina Mitten Honored Before Heading to Missouri Legislature
"Whoever fills her shoes is going to have a big pair of shoes to fill," District 2 Councilman Michael Jones said.
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Gina Mitten attended her last Richmond Heights City Council meeting as an elected councilwoman on Monday
Mitten, who has been a Richmond Heights council member for eight years, was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in November. The 83rd District seat was uncontested in November after Mitten defeated fellow Democratic candidate James Trout during the August primary.
During the meeting on Monday, Mitten was recognized at the podium by Mayor James Beck with a proclamation and plaque.
Mitten fulfilled "her duties with a blend of professionalism, dedicated service, leadership and sensitivity to residents' needs," said Beck as he read from the proclamation. "She showed firm commitment to improve the quality of life for city residents and neighborhoods."
"It's sort of bittersweet going over the agenda today, realizing how much I'm going to miss you guys," said Mitten after the proclamation. "I'm looking forward to working with you still - just in a different capacity."
Mitten's 83rd District includes a part of Richmond Heights, as well as all or parts of Brentwood, Maplewood, Rock Hill, Webster Groves and south St. Louis.
During the period allotted for citizens' comments, former and current council members shared messages of support and thanks for Mitten.
"It was an absolute pleasure to work with you," said Tim Gallagher, who previously served as a council member in Richmond Heights. "I'm constantly amazed at the attention to detail you have. I hope you take that same attention to detail with you to Jefferson City."
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"She knows her constituents, she knows the area...she knows what needs to be done. And she listens," District 2 Councilman Michael Jones said. "Whoever fills her shoes is going to have a big pair of shoes to fill."
Mitten, 48, was first elected to city council in 2004 before being re-elected in 2008 and 2012.
She is an associate with Gary M. Siegel, LLC, which is part of the St. Louis Lawyer's Group in Clayton. Mitten lives in Richmond Heights with her husband, Nelson Mitten, who serves as a member of the Maplewood Richmond Heights Board of Education. They have two children.
As of Monday, no one has filed to fill Mitten's vacant seat on city council. Filing will remain open until Jan. 15.
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