Dave Coulter Sworn in as Ferndale's Mayor

was sworn in as mayor of Ferndale on Monday night in front of a crowd of residents and supporters.

Coulter also prior to the swearing in, saying the former mayors are “the foundation on which Ferndale stands today.”

Coulter said that each of these mayors went through their own challenges and shows Ferndale will make it through these current challenges.

“I am a student of history and I think it’s important to know where we came from,” he said.

The former mayors included the first female mayor elected to Council in Ferndale Pamela McCullough (1994-96), 43rd District Court Judge Charles Goedert (1996-2002), (2002-08), (2008-10) and most recently Mayor Pro Tem Kate Baker who served for the month of January while the mayor’s seat was vacant.

Coulter is filling the seat left vacant by Covey, who resigned as mayor to become commissioner of Oakland County's 25th District — a seat previously held by Coulter, who left it for a state Senate campaign that he lost in the primary. Coulter will finish out Covey's term, which will end Dec. 31.

Former mayors, colleagues praise Coulter

“I’ve always been a big supporter of (Coulter),” Goedert said. “I’ve known Dave for many years.”

Porter, who was also interviewed Jan. 24 along with Coulter and Director for the vacant mayor’s seat, praised the former County Commissioner after his own interview, saying, “If I had a choice, I would vote for Dave.” Those in the audience applauded Porter’s gesture that evening.

“I wouldn’t have recommended him (Jan. 24) if I did not think he was going to do a good job,” Porter said. “He is current through his county contacts and his stance on policy and issues. Dave is a very talented guy.”

 “I’m so pleased to hand it off to Dave,” Baker said. “He will do a great job.”

The new mayor inherits a projected $2.2 million deficit, the public safety union arbitration, a May ballot proposal and a search for a permanent city manager. These challenges would be difficult no matter who was selected to fill the mayor’s seat, Goedert said.

“The problem is, no matter who is the mayor, the city is in some challenging times. I don’t think the council could have done a better job choosing a mayor to handle those challenging times,” Goedert said. “It’s not going to be easy no matter who is mayor and I think Dave knows that he’s got some tough decisions to make.”

Some of Coulter’s colleagues were on hand for the reception and swearing in as well.

Coulter has already gained support and a following from his work as Oakland County’s 25th District commissioner, and many supporters feel he will bring that same work ethic to his position as mayor.

“(Working with Coulter) I learned tenacity and patience,” Oakland County’s 21st District Commissioner Janet Jackson said. “He led with integrity and his communication was good.”

Nancy Goedert, political activist and mother of Charles Goedert, believes Coulter has what it takes to work through Ferndale’s challenges. “He has already had a lot of experience with government and budget and he has a knack for working across the aisle with republicans” she said. “I think he will be an effective mayor.”

The council meeting Monday night was a relatively short session with no regular agenda items. Before concluding his first council meeting, Coulter addressed Ferndale.

“Residents of Ferndale, I want to thank you and I understand that this is an appointment and not an election, but you have supported me many times at the ballot box in the past and I am sure it is through your support and encouragement that helped council make the decision,” he said.