City Commissioners Tim Bruce and Alex Curnes indicated they would be interested in being the next mayor when asked by the Eudora Times this week.
The City Commission selects one of its own to be mayor each year. Long-time mayor Tim Reazin will end his term this month. Reazin had been serving as mayor for over a decade and his absence means a new commissioner will be chosen.
Eudora’s mayor does not have executive power, like in some bigger cities. That job is reserved for the city manager. Instead, the mayor is a mostly procedural and representative role.
The Eudora Times asked all five commissioners who will be seated in January if they’d be interested in being mayor.
Bruce and Curnes each emphasized that it was a commission-wide discussion that needed to be held, but said they would be interested in serving in the role if the commission decided it was best.
Bruce, who is currently vice mayor, said he was sure the commission would have a discussion about the next mayor in January and he would be interested in the role.
“If they feel that I could fill the role, I would happily do it,” he said.
Curnes said he’s happy to serve the city in whatever capacity he can. He said Reazin had done a great job during his term and the next mayor would have big shoes to fill.
“I am confident the commission will make the right decision when the time comes,” he said.
The other current commissioner to remain on the board, Roberta Lehmann, said she was not interested in being mayor next year, but would consider a role as vice mayor.
“Technically, the mayor role is voted on each January, but we all felt like Tim [Reazin] was doing a great job so we kept him in that role,” Lehmann said. “As for me, not at this time.”
In November, voters elected two newcomers — Jason Musick and Grant High — who campaigned together.
Musick said he has appreciated the support from the community, and heard from some who urged him to put his name in the ring for mayor. However, he said the best thing for the city right now is to have a mayor with prior experience in the commission. He said the commission should focus on collaboration and effective governance instead of on titles.
“There is still much for me to learn, and having someone with a deeper tenure in city operations leading the commission will help ensure continued stability and success in our local government,” he said.
High also said he wasn’t interested in being mayor.
“I am hoping that the next mayor understands the limited role this position offers in our commission/manager government,” he said.
The commission will select the new mayor and vice mayor at the Jan. 12 meeting, after the new commissioners have joined.
Reach reporter Cuyler Dunn at [email protected]
