New city council is sworn in

On a quick 4-1 vote, his fellow city councilors selected Chris Frye to serve as mayor of Sisters for the next two years. McKibben Womack was voted in on a 3-2 vote to remain council president.

Incumbent David Asson posted the "no" vote for Frye, while Asson and incoming councilor Nancy Connolly voted "no" on Womack.

Per the City of Sisters charter, the position of mayor is chosen by the city council members, not the popular vote. In this form of city government, the city staff reports to the city manager, and the city manager in turn reports to the city council. The mayor has no formal authority outside of the council; the mayor cannot appoint or remove officials, and lacks veto power over council votes.

Many smaller cities have adopted this form of "weak mayor" all-volunteer city government. In most larger cities, the mayor is elected by popular vote, paid a salary, and serves as the chief executive of the city, presiding over the city staff.

For those that have not attended this every-two-year ritual in Sisters, the process can be surprisingly quick and without drama. The whole process from nomination to selection of mayor this year took less than 30 seconds. This is typical.

First the newly elected councilors were sworn in and seated. Next, the council president called for nominations for mayor. Womack opened the nominations and nominated Frye. Returning councilor Wendy Holzman seconded the motion, and briefly gave her reasons for supporting Frye.

"I believe that Chris Frye is qualified to bring our council together; to work together collaboratively," Holzman said. "He is level-headed, thoughtful, prepared, listens well, and can articulate council positions to the public."

Frye was selected on a 4-1 vote.

The selection of council president took one minute. Connolly nominated Asson and gave a brief discussion of her reasons for the nomination.

"I would like to nominate David Asson," she said. "I think his experience on council; his willingness to stand up and disagree with council members gives him the faith and trust of the community."

The nomination died for lack of a second. Holzman then nominated Womack. Frye seconded the nomination.

"I think that McKibben has done a really good job as council president for the last two years, doing the ins and outs of the agenda items, and running meetings well. His experience would serve us well," Frye said.

Womack was selected on 3-2 vote.

Elections for the city council are held every two years. At each election three council seats are up for a vote. The top two vote-getters are elected for a four-year term. The third is elected for a two-year term. In the latest election, Connolly and Asson were voted in for four years and Holzman for two years.