By Michael Bielecki
SEBASTIAN — Leadership within the Sebastian City Council could change tonight after the members elect their mayor and vice mayor. After the election, the council saw the addition of just one new member, Don Wright, who was chosen to fill out-going Councilwoman Dale Simchick’s seat.
Richard Gillmor and Jim Hill currently serve the council as mayor and vice mayor, respectively. And while Hill has expressed interest in becoming the city’s mayor, he said he would be happy to continue serving in the No. 2 seat. Re-elected Andrea Coy said that she would have to think about accepting a nomination for mayor, while fellow election winner Eugene Wolff said he would not be interested in taking on the role.
“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 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.”
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.”
Hill had many of the same things to say as Gillmor, agreeing on the success of the council last year. Like Gillmor, 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 said he 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.