Frye is the right choice for mayor

The Sisters City Council at their first January meeting will choose who will lead the council as mayor.

By charter, the mayor is chosen by council, not by direct election of the voters. This makes the mayor "first among equals," rather than a separate City office. Because of this, it is incumbent upon the council to choose a mayor who can best bring the group together, set agendas, keep meetings tightly focused, and move the council collaboratively to decisions on the issues facing the community.

That requires a particular temperament and skill set. Chris Frye is the right choice for the position. He is level-headed and even-handed. He listens well, not only to his fellow councilors but also to a broad cross-section of the community. Perhaps most importantly, he will be able to maintain an effective but appropriately arm's-length relationship with the City manager.

Sisters' past two mayors became lightning rods. To some extent that goes with the job, but it can be either exacerbated or mitigated depending on temperament. Frye's style is such that - hopefully - important issues can be debated vigorously and thoroughly without factions developing or personality conflicts carrying undue weight.

Sisters has had too many years of dysfunction on its City council. Selecting Chris Frye as mayor is a significant step toward remedying that dysfunction and establishing a council that works effectively with each other and leads appropriately in setting policy for staff to execute.

The selection of mayor is not about vote-counts or political spoils. It is about capable leadership - and on this council, Chris Frye is clearly the right choice.

Jim Cornelius, News Editor