Politics & Government
First Meeting Of New Watkinsville Mayor And Council Goes Smoothly
Mayor Bob Smith thanked former Mayor Dave Shearon for his service to the city. Smith defeated Shearon by 2 votes in November.
The first meeting of the Watkinsville Mayor and City Council last week got off to a very smooth start, and the good mood continued through the 13-minute-long session.
“I think congratulations are in order for Mayor Smith,” Council Member Brian Brodrick said at the beginning of the meeting, referring to newly elected Mayor Bob Smith, seated to his right.
“I’m honored to be here,"Smith said, "and I call the meeting to order."
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Administration of the oaths of office for Smith and for Council members Brodrick and Connie Massey were the first two items on the agenda, but when Smith turned to the items, City Attorney Joe Reitman Jr. told Smith that the administration of the oaths had been done in advance.
“You’re officially mayor,” Reitman said. “That’s handled.”
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The Council removed discussion of Rules of Conduct of Official Business from the agenda and tabled discussion of “future process for swearing in of municipal officeholders,” saying both items would be discussed at future meetings.
No mention was made of Mayor Smith’s attempts to veto three decisions made by the Council in December.
For more on the story, with video of the Jan. 8 Mayor and Council meeting, please go to Oconee County Observations.