SIDNEY -- The Sidney City Council approved a new council member in its June 27 council meeting.

Brock Buckner, Sr. was selected from five applicants as the next city council member. He replaces Roger Gallaway who resigned. Buckner will fill the vacated seat until the next election. 

Gallaway was serving as vice-mayor when he resigned.

"There's definitely parts of it that are exciting. There's a lot of new challenges involved with it. As I've told other people, it is absolutely probably the hardest decision I've ever had to make in my adult life," Gallaway said.

Gallaway recalled the numerous projects he's been involved in, including street improvements, the 17J Link, and water projects.

He said the key to being a successful council member is how a council member meets with the community. His advice to Buckner is be willing to listen.

Gallaway's advice to Buckner: "Take the opportunity to get as involved as you can and speak to as many people as you can. The best way to fully understand an issue, talk to everybody. Talk to both sides. Ultimately, you'll find something that may alter your way of thinking or at least allow you to take into consideration some other aspects you might not have thought about."

Buckner said he sought the council seat because he wanted to be part of change.

"I'm living in this community. I going to retire in this community. I want to leave a stamp on this community and leave it better for the younger people who are going to grow up and do what we're doing now," Buckner said.

He and his family have lived in Sidney since 2018. He is a conductor for the BNSF Railroad. He goals as councilman include cohesiveness, not a lot of conflict, making good decisions for the community.

"Then, they have trust in us. I don't want to be in the public and hear that we like this guy but not that guy, or we agree with this mindset but not that mindset. I want them to look at their board, or council and say 'we have the right man for the job.'"

Buckner will serve as council member until the completion of the term.