After Coin Toss Win, Crystal Council Swears In Onesirosan
The city of Crystal swore in Taji Onesirosan as the newest member of the Crystal City Council on April 18.
Onesirosan topped a field of 11 applicants, ultimately winning the seat by coin toss.
The council appointed him to seat previously held by Nancy LaRoche.
“I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to serve the city of Crystal,” Onesirosan said. “Being an appointed council member, I acknowledge and look forward to the work I have to do to intentionally engage with the folks in Section 1.”
Coin toss
The city of Crystal swore in Taji Onesirosan as the newest member of the Crystal City Council on April 18. Onesirosan topped a field of 11 applicants for the seat, ultimately winning the seat by coin toss.
After serving six years on the council, LaRoche recently moved out of Crystal.
As a result, the council had to appoint a new member to its ranks.
The council narrowed the 11 applicants down to two, Terry Baresh and Onesirosan.
After 90 minutes of deliberation, the split council flipped a coin to determine who would take the seat.
Onesirosan emerged from the coin toss victorious.
“At the end of the night, something that’s not unheard of but, we ended up flipping a coin,” said Crystal Mayor Jim Adams. “It’s been done in history, it’s been done in many levels of government.”
The council was “very happy and comfortable with either choice and this is where we ended up,” Adams said.
Background on Onesirosan
Onesirosan’s term will end Dec. 31, 2024.
“I am committed to being accessible, solution-oriented, and doing what I can to ensure everyone has a sense of pride in our community,” he said.
Onesirosan works in human resources for Securian Financial. He is currently an MBA candidate at the University of St. Thomas.
He has served on the Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission since 2022.
Onesirosan also played football for Bethel University from 2013-2015.
“The affordability and geographic location are what attracted us,” Onesirosan wrote of his family’s decision to move to Crystal in his council seat application. “Since moving here, we’ve experienced the beauty of this community. From our friendly neighbors, to the regional trails, we have realized Crystal is a place we want to stay.”
View the city’s press release here.
