New Banning Councilman Westholder, Selected to Replace Botts, to be Sworn Dec. 10

Highland Springs Fellowship lead pastor Jerry Westholder has been selected to fill the Banning council seat vacated when Mayor Pro Tem Bob Botts resigned in October, and he will be sworn in Dec. 10, city officials said Thursday.

Westholder and five other candidates were interviewed Tuesday Nov. 19 by council members Debbie Franklin, Art Welch, Edward Miller, and Don Peterson.

"At the conclusion of the interview process the City Council selected Jerry Westholder as their top candidate," city spokesman Bill Manis said in a statement.

Here's more from the city's Thursday announcement:

As the former Banning Police Department Chaplin, Mr. Westholder has been a resident  of Banning for the last thirteen years.

Mr. Westholder is currently employed as the Lead  Pastor for the Highland Springs Fellowship, formally known as the Banning First Assembly  of God located on West Wilson Avenue in Banning.

His background includes multiple faith based positions, human resources, youth services, and the United States Marine Corps.

Franklin, Welch, Miller and Peterson unanimously agreed Oct. 15 to appoint Botts' replacement and avoid a special election, due to costs and time considerations.