VERO BEACH — After several rounds of voting and jokes about tossing a coin, the new Vero Beach City Council has chosen Pilar Turner to serve as mayor and Craig Fletcher as its vice mayor.
“I understand the mayor is one of a council of five and represents this entire council,” Mayor Turner said. “And I plan to conduct these meetings in a way that is beneficial for all the citizens of Vero Beach.”
“This is the basics of politics in America,” Vice Mayor Fletcher said, explaining to the audience that gathered in the Council Chambers Monday afternoon that they just witnessed the peaceful transfer of power. “It’s a big thing.”
Prior to the announcement of the chosen leaders, the council conducted nominations and filled out ballots with their choices.
Councilwoman Tracy Carroll, who was just re-elected, nominated Fletcher for mayor. Turner nominated herself and newly elected Councilman Dick Winger nominated Councilman Jay Kramer.
The first question they had to answer was whether or not to take public comment.
“After the election, I’d be up to it,” Fletcher said.
Both Turner and Kramer welcomed the public input.
Former Councilman Brian Heady addressed the new council, pointing out that two of the three nominees answered the question correctly.
“Pilar Turner, Jay Kramer, thank you in this instance,” Heady said. “Just that says a lot about who we should elect mayor.”
Linda Hillman also addressed the council, throwing her support to Kramer as mayor. She cited an online poll that showed 60 percent support for Kramer and 16 percent for Turner.
“I feel you have been a great team,” Hillman said, suggesting Kramer should remain mayor and Turner the vice mayor.
After two identical votes on who should serve as mayor, the jokes began about tossing a coin.
“Does anyone have a coin, just in case?” quipped Kramer.
The council decided to re-do its nominations, which netted two more votes and the eventual appointment of Turner over Carroll and Kramer.
“We have a new mayor,” City Clerk Tammy Vock announced. “Mrs. Turner, congratulations.”
The selection of vice mayor came with multiple votes as well, as Kramer, Carroll and Fletcher were nominated.
After the third vote, the winner was determined.
“Congratulations Mr. Fletcher, you are now the vice mayor,” Vock said.
The newly formed Vero Beach City Council will hold its first meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
