CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) — Cortland has a new Common Council member.

Dana Merkur will serve through the rest of 2025 in Ward 1. Merkur, who owned the Isaf-Merkur Photography Studio for over 40 years on Hamlin St., was appointed Tuesday by the current council.

“The people of Cortland helped me live the American dream – raise my family, own my own business for 42 years, and get to know and photograph so many amazing people,” Merkur stated. According to a news release, “Earlier this year, his daughter Samantha and daughter-in-law Allison took over full ownership, making the studio a third-generation family business. The business was founded by his in-laws, Asad and Betty-Lou Isaf.”

The 65-year-old Merkur replaces Wayne Schutt, who resigned after a recent DWI crash and arrest. Based on the Cortland city code, Merkur was recommended by the Cortland County GOP to fill the seat vacated by Schutt, who was also a Republican.

An election for the same seat is being held November 1. Merkur says he intends to run this fall. The winner would serve the remainder of Schutt’s term, which expires on New Year’s Eve in 2027.