Krezelak resigns before taking judge position

Alice Campbell Havre Daily News [email protected]

After a successful bid for City Judge, Dave Krezelak is bowing out of the position. He topped opponent Margaret Hencz 1,868 to 1,085 in the Nov. 3 election and spent nearly $3,000 dollars during his campaign. Citing "just a lot of personal reasons," this morning, Krezelak submitted a letter of resignation effective Nov. 12 to City Council President Allen "Woody" Woodwick Thursday. "It wasn't an easy one to make," the Havre native said about his decision. He will remain on staff as a captain with the Havre Fire Department, he said, adding he's not sure if he'll run for office in the future. "I'd still like to thank them for their support," Krezelak said to his supporters in the election. "We're still looking into the actual procedures, but as far as we know, it'd be very similar to if a council member stepped down," Woodwick said this morning, adding that he's never dealt with a situation like this. Generally, names are considered, the mayor chooses one and council votes to approve or not to approve, he said. "So it's a joint operation between the mayor and the council." "I'm glad to see it taking place now so we do have a little bit of time" before Jan. 1 when Krezelak was supposed to officially take his post, Woodwick said. It is undecided if the issue will be discussed at Monday evening's council meeting, he said. Chances are that council members will consider Hencz for appointment, Woodwick said. "I would say yes, a very high possibility," he said. This morning Hencz said she's still interested in the judgeship. "I am still Interested," she said. "I just hope everything is OK with David ... ," she said, especially because "his decision was a surprise."