The Council traditionally elects its officers the first meeting after the Council summer budget retreat. Tonight was that first meeting.

I was elected Mayor Pro Tem and Jackie Feagin was re-elected Deputy Mayor Pro Tem. I will be succeeding Randall Dunning, who, because of term limits, was ineligible to run in the last election.

The office does come with serious duties: sitting for the Mayor whenever the Mayor is unable to serve.

I appreciate being chosen by the Council for this responsibility and will do my best to hold the office with honor.

I arrived at the Council Chambers this evening directly from the National Night Out party at the Valley Creek North neighborhood, north of Firewheel Pkwy and near Mars Dr. Although I had been asked if I would serve, I did not know that I would be nominated and I had no idea how the vote would go.

This Council has been working well together. There is a healthy range of views and strengths, which I consider to be strong positives. Strong personalities working as a team can be very productive. Diversity of opinion can foster an atmosphere where decisions are reasoned and crafted to the problems. I like working with these professionals.

A number of other items that the Council addressed yesterday and today need to be announced, in case you weren't watching the meetings. I will post them over the next few days as I get time—so check back soon.