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Alpena finally has a new mayor after one councilmember flipped his vote to bring harmony to the city's Municipal Council.
"We are like a family, and, as such, we don't always agree, but we still come together to complete the city's business," Councilman Danny Mitchell said before switching his vote from Councilman Mike Nowak to Mayor Pro Tempore Cindy Johnson for the mayor's post. "The city is lucky to have two qualified candidates, but another tie vote would not be good for the council."
Johnson will serve for the rest of 2024, filling out the remainder of Mayor Matt Waligora's term after Waligora resigned effective New Year's Eve. The city charter calls for the council to name one of their own to fill such a vacancy.
Voters will in November pick a new mayor for a full four-year term.
"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."
The council couldn't pick a new mayor earlier this month because it twice voted 2-2, meaning it had no majority to advance the appointment.
We're glad to see the council could find a way to move forward for the betterment of the city, and we thank Mitchell for his vote.
After picking a mayor, the council then appointed Erinn Kane to fill Johnson's councilmember seat, which was vacated by her elevation to mayor.
We welcome both Johnson and Kane to their respective roles, and we look forward to working with both of them. We promise to treat you fairly and quote you accurately, and all we ask in return is as much transparency as you can provide when we ask questions on behalf of our readers.
The council faces a number of important issues, including keeping the budget in sound shape as federal dollars meant to offset losses during the COVID-19 pandemic dry up, heading into a potential trial this spring to hopefully end the city's decade-long fight with Alpena Township over water and sewer rates paid by the township to the city, and continuing to push for economic development in the city, including new housing.
We are confident Johnson, Kane, and the rest of the council can manage those issues well, but we'll be watching.
Welcome aboard to both of those serving in new positions. Congratulations to you and we wish you good luck.