SHILOH — Misty Francis decided she needs to be more proactive in her community.
On Tuesday, she took a big step toward her goal and was sworn in to Shiloh Village Council by Paul Currier, the village’s mayor.
Francis was the only resident to submit a letter of interest for the open seat after Councilwoman Lisa Mireles submitted her resignation Nov. 26. Mireles time on council concluded Dec. 31.
Although she has no prior experience as a councilmember, Francis was an active and vocal participant during Tuesday’s meeting.
Her decision was inspired by the opportunity to have a voice at the table and “a little bit more control” regarding things which impact her and the community.
“I started joining these (council) meetings and the more you come, the more it’s exciting to be a part of the community,” Francis said.
“I feel like I’d be a good contribution for the community because I’m capable. I’m smart enough and I like people and I like this community.”
Similar confidence was expressed by Currier.
“She’s going to be a good asset,” he said Tuesday.
Shiloh Village Council back at full strength
Francis was born in Kentucky, but moved to Shiloh at the age of 4 and has lived here since.
She doesn’t have any specific goals to tackle right away, but is excited to have a more involved role when it comes to community impact.
With Francis now sworn in, Shiloh Village Council is back to full strength with six members. Councilmembers Marilyn Hall, Ryan Click, Brent Wagers, Kalynn Means and Christopher Rand make up the other five seats.
Means and Rand filled two council vacancies in May 2024 after former councilmembers Christine Donnersbach and Sharon Malone resigned due to health reasons.
The seats filled by Means and Rand continue until Jan. 1, 2026, as does Francis’ seat.
Similar to Francis’ reasoning, Rand decided to express interest in order to help inspire change.
“You see a lot of social media complaining about things and it seems like most people don’t want to be the change that they want to see,” he said in May 2024.
“I thought, ‘I don’t want to be that person and if I want to do something I should do it.’ I’m green, but excited to be of some service to my community.”