News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Alpena Clerk Anna Soik, left, issues the oath of office to Cindy Johnson who became mayor of Alpena on Tuesday. Johnson will be mayor for the balance of this year, but said she intends to run for the seat in November.

ALPENA — Cindy Johnson is the new mayor of Alpena, at least until the end of the year, when whoever wins the race for mayor during the November election takes the reins.

Johnson said she intends to run for mayor in November.

Erinn Kane was also appointed to the council to fill Johnson’s seat after she took over mayor duties.

During its last meeting, council was unable to agree on an interim mayor who will replace former Mayor Matt Waligora who stepped down at the end of last year. Motions were made in support of both Mayor Pro Tempore Cindy Johnson and Councilman Mike Nowak, but neither could garner enough votes to earn the majority of the council which is down to four people after Waligora’s resignation.

Each of the candidates voted for themselves, while Councilman Danny Mitchell voted for Nowak and Karol Walchak voted for Johnson.

Mitchell flipped his vote for Johnson this time around to keep harmony on a council and because he has faith that Johnson will do an adequate job.

The final vote was 3-1, with Nowak once again voting for himself.

“We are like a family and as such, we don’t always agree, but we still come together to complete the city’s business,” Mitchell said. “The city is lucky to have two qualified candidates, but another tie vote would not be good for the council. Therefore, my vote is to appoint Mayor Pro Tempore Cindy Johnson.”

Council had considered making the appointment for the council seat for the vacant seat and having the new councilperson be the deciding vote, but City Attorney Bill Pfeifer said rules forbid that move because neither Johnson’s nor Nowak’s seat is considered vacant until someone is chosen as mayor.

Johnson said she appreciated the support and added it is a privilege to be mayor and she is eager to work with the other council members to move forward with city business and issues.

“I’m honored to lead the city for the next year and to work with my colleagues and the staff,” Johnson said. “Let’s help to solve the problems Alpena has and work to continue to make the city better.”

Council had four candidates to consider once Johnson was seated in Waligora’s former seat. Erinn Kane, Christopher Moses, Ashley Peterson, and Kevin Ginter all spoke before council and ultimately, Kane got the nod.

Each candidate gave the council an eight-minute presentation that introduced themselves to the council and touched on hopes, dreams, and goals they have for the city.

Each council member gave scores to the two candidates they believed were the best fit for the board and in the end, Kane scored the highest.

After learning she was chosen to finish the year on council, she took her oath of office from Clerk Anna Soik.

Kane said she intends to run for a full term in November.