By Michael Bielecki
SEBASTIAN — With the Sebastian City Council a seeming tranquil deliberative body compared to its neighbors to the south, little is expected to change when the Council meets Monday at 6 p.m. to appoint a mayor and vice-mayor.
Current Mayor Richard Gillmor and Vice-Mayor Jim Hill are expected to remain in those positions after the meeting to elect new leaders. Compared to the tumultous times before, over the past 18 months the city council has come together as a cohesive unit. Every person on council speaks highly of the other, and there seems to be no power struggle within the group.
“I would have to consider it if I were nominated, but I’ve been the mayor already,” said former Mayor and three-term council member Andrea Coy. “The mayor doesn’t have any more power when it comes to making decisions than anyone else. We’re all in the ring together as colleagues on city council.”
Mayor Gillmor said he would happily accept another nomination, and was quick to point out that all of the council members would be competent in either the mayor or vice-mayor role.
“I think both incumbents being re-elected shows that the people of Sebastian like the way things have been run this year,” said Gillmor. “I’m happy with the way the election came out, and to serve again as mayor would be honor. Don Wright will add a lot to our council and with him on board I feel we’ll be able to get a lot done.”
Vice Mayor Jim Hill had many of the same things to say as Gillmor, agreeing on the success of the council last year. Like Gilmor, he’d be happy to accept a nomination again this year.
“Last year was a really good year for the council, and it would be an honor to serve as either mayor or vice mayor,” said Hill. “I would definitely accept any nomination. I don’t want to make a prediction. However, any selections made for either vice-mayor or mayor would be a good choice.”
Eugene Wolff said he would not accept any nominations for mayor or vice mayor. Wolff was very happy with the way things went on city council last year, and he hopes Gillmor is nominated for another run as mayor.
“I was very happy with the way things went on council,” said Wolff. “I think last year speaks for itself, and I’d be happy to have Mr. Gillmor as mayor again this year.”
New Councilman Don Wright was unavailable for comment for this story.
Monday’s meeting will only deal with the selection of Sebastian’s mayor and vice-mayor. The first regular city council meeting will be Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m.
