Council members sworn in, mayor pro tempore appointed

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council members

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – City Attorney David Barrett executed the Oath of Office for the three reelected city council members, and the council made several appointments during Jan. 7, 2020 meeting.

The three incumbents were reelected during the Nov. 2019 election. Their terms will run from Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2023. In city council elections, the top vote-getters win the open seats.

The oath affirmed that the council members will “faithfully perform the duties of city council member, will support and defend the charter thereof, as well as the constitution of the state of Georgia and the United States of America.”

Previously, Cook stated, “I try very hard to make decisions that’ll benefit everybody, not just one, and hopefully, I can continue to do that.”

L to R: Betty Easter, Rhonda Mahan, and Mary Ruth Cook.

Mayor Pro Tempore Appointment

The city council also decided on the mayor pro tempore, where a member of the city council serves as mayor “for the time being” if for some reason Mayor Jim Conley cannot. Previously, Moore has held the position.

“Of all of us, I feel like [Moore] is the most qualified should he have to step up. He attends all the classes and GMA conferences. He’s got more of that then any of us,” stated Mahan.

Moore asserted that he would like to continue to serve in the role.

Dyer expressed interest in becoming mayor pro tempore at some point the future. “I’ve always wanted to serve at least a term as mayor pro tem,” said Dyer. “As far as qualifications, I’m not afraid of the duties and the job.”

Easter then nominated Dyer for the role, which left the decision to second up to Cook. After some consideration by Cook, she ultimately voiced to “leave it like it is.” Failing to get a second, the nomination died on the floor.

Moore will continue to serve as mayor pro tempore for the 2020 year.

Blairsville City Council also doled out department liaisons and board appointments for 2020.

Departments

Police Department: Rhonda Mahan

Airport: Robert “Buddy” Moore

Water and Sewer: Betty Easter

Roads and Streets: Tony Dyer

Boards

Union County Historical Society: Mary Ruth Cook

Downtown Development Authority: Betty Easter

Finally, City Attorney Barrett and City Clerk Kaye McCann received re-appointments to continue in their positions for 2020.

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