Not so fast: New mayor, councilors get to cool heels for a few more days

Local News

July 1, 2008

By James Beaty The McAlester News-Capital Tue Jul 01, 2008, 09:58 AM CDT

The current fiscal year ended at midnight last night, but three new officeholders in the city of McAlester won’t be sworn into office until early next week.

Plans had been to swear Mayor-elect Kevin Priddle, along with Ward 1 Councilor-elect Chris Fiedler and Ward 3 Councilor-elect John Browne, into office during Monday night’s special city council meeting, according to Mayor Don Lewis.

Plans also called for Buddy Garvin, who won re-election without opposition, to be sworn in for a four-year term on Monday night.

However, those plans changed, Lewis said.

Since Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry has not yet approved the new City Charter passed by McAlester voters during an April 13 special election, the city is still operating under the “old” charter.

That calls for newly-elected city officers to be sworn in during the first regular council meeting held in July, Lewis said. Since the regular council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, the first regularly scheduled meeting for the new fiscal year will be held at 6 p.m. on July 8.

Until then, Lewis will continue to serve as mayor, while Weldon Smith will continue to serve as the Ward 1 city councilor and Travis Read will continue to serve as the councilor in Ward 3.

This could be the last time that McAlester city officials have to wait such a length of time before taking office following their elections.

If it’s approved by the governor, the new City Charter calls for newly-elected officials to take office shortly after they’re elected, whether during the city election held in March Primary or during a runoff election in April.

One of the first duties of the new city council will be to elect a vice-mayor from among its members. Ward 6 Councilor Sam Mason is the city’s current vice-mayor, who handles mayoral duties in the mayor’s absence.

Text Only

Local News

McAlester New-Capital's junior reporters tell all
Globe-trotting, from McAlester to Japan

On Feb. 6, I had the pleasure of meeting two of the Harlem Globetrotters. Handles, who is 6’ 1,” wasn’t very tall compared to Stretch, who is 7’ 2”. ...

Living the dream

On Monday, the Harlem Globetrotters came to McAlester to play some basketball. Before the game, I had the honor to interview center “Stretch” Middleton and guard “Handles” Franklin. ...

February 10, 2012 6 Photos 1 Story
Shelter Documentary

On Thursdaythe Good Samaritan Outreach Shelter for Men was featured in a documentary by the First United Methodist Church in McAlester. Pictured from left is Thursday. Pictured from left is Chris Symes associate pastor of the First Methodist Church, Stephen LeFlore shelter director and Bill Derichsweiler shelter treasurer.

February 9, 2012 1 Photo
Man involved with recent meth lab explosion pleads guilty
A McAlester man who was recently involved with a local meth lab explosion pleaded guilty Friday in Pittsburg County District Court.

February 9, 2012 4 Photos
McAlester sets first-ever TEAM meet
Something new is in store for McAlester — a meeting to bring together many of the major organizations in the city.

February 8, 2012
McAlester's Make a Difference Day project is finalist for award
McAlester’s Make a Difference Day project was recently selected as a finalist for this year’s “Encore,” award, which was just renamed the “All-Star Award.”

February 8, 2012
All Saints' Episcopal to hold craft and chocolate sale
The men and women of All Saints’ Episcopal Church are hand-crafting goodies and gifts for the community to purchase for a loved one this Valentine’s Day.

February 7, 2012 3 Photos
Rowe seeks road less-traveled
Dustin Rowe believes he’s taking the road less traveled — at least among the current slate of Republican Second District Congressional candidates.

February 7, 2012
Local hotel guests charged with child abuse
A couple that was staying at a local hotel have been arrested and charged with child abuse.

February 7, 2012 2 Photos
OSP names officer/supervisor of year for 2011
The Oklahoma State Penitentiary recently released the names of their 2011 employees of the year.

February 7, 2012 4 Photos
Eufaula housekeeper accused of theft
A Eufaula housekeeper has been accused of stealing checks from a home in Longtown and forging them to buy groceries, gas and pay an electric bill.

February 7, 2012 1 Photo
More Local News Headlines

It's awards season? Which 85th Academy Award nominated movie for Best Picture is your fave?

Local News

Search Results

Not so fast: New mayor, councilors get to cool heels for a few more days

It's awards season? Which 85th Academy Award nominated movie for Best Picture is your fave?

Site Map

Contact Us