Holmes named Auburn's mayor

Mike Holmes was elected the new mayor of Auburn during Monday's City Council meeting - but not without some controversy. Holmes replaces outgoing mayor Alice Dowdin, who officially resigned her seat on the city council Monday. But her seat wasn't empty for long as Auburn Planning Commissioner Bridget Powers was appointed to fill the remaining year in Dowdin's term.Last week, Dowdin announced she had accepted Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's appointment to serve as deputy appointments secretary. She will recommend individuals to various regional boards that would impact the city of Auburn, setting up a potential conflict of interest and cause to relinquish her council seat.But not everyone was happy about Holmes' new turn as mayor.During the Nov. 28 city council meeting, former mayor Cheryl Maki questioned whether Holmes could be mayor while campaigning for Congress. Holmes announced earlier this year he would seek U.S. Rep. John Doolittle's seat in Congress. A column appearing in Sunday's Journal further outlined Maki's reasons why the city might suffer from Holmes not having the time to perform his duties as mayor.Holmes shot back during the public comment portion of Monday's meeting, questioning her "political motives" for raising the issue."For her to suggest I can't walk and chew gum at the same time is beyond the pale," he said.Holmes said he would never be farther than a plane ride, an e-mail or short one-hour drive away from Auburn while campaigning."I assure the citizens of Auburn, my fellow councilmembers and Cheryl Maki that I take the responsibility of city councilman seriously," he said.He went on to say the council could take necessary action should he not be able to fulfill his duties.Former mayor O.C. Taylor spoke in support of Holmes and was critical of Maki, who he served on the council with."She'd point her finger often at people and say 'if you don't do what I tell you, I'll sue you,'" he said. "With all due respect, I think Mike Holmes did not deserve the kind of bashing Cheryl Maki gave him."Councilman Keith Nesbitt nominated Holmes to serve as mayor and the council approved it 5-0. Councilman Bob Snyder was elected as vice mayor.Holmes was next in line to serve as mayor, according to the rotating schedule on which the council operates. The highest two vote getters in an election year each serve terms; Dowdin received the most votes in 2002, followed by Holmes and Councilman Kevin Hanley.The method excludes Hanley, who wouldn't get to serve as mayor as the lowest vote getter in 2002. Hanley said Monday the rotation system works well, adding that the mayor has the same powers as the other councilmembers.During her outgoing remarks, Dowdin reflected on her seven years with the council, beginning in 1998."They say life is emulates a book - every good story has a clear beginning, middle and end," she said. She went on to chronicle how much the city has changed during her tenure: From the near doubling of general fund revenues to increased fire protection with the creation of the Fire Safe Council."It has been a productive seven years, but it's time to begin a new chapter in my life," Dowdin said. "I will miss this work, but leave knowing the city is in great hands and poised to succeed in the future."As Dowdin left the dais, Holmes addressed the audience."As a youth growing up in this community, I never thought one day I'd reach this position," he said. "After spending most of my life away, this community has welcomed me back with open arms."Holmes, who served 30 years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a captain, laid out some of his goals for 2006. They included a review and audit of the Auburn Airport's East Hangar Project, which he said has been "in limbo" for years despite having funding.With the new mayor elected, the council then discussed how to fill Dowdin's empty seat on the council.Hanley suggested the council look to the last city council election to find the replacement."I think the city council's job in making decisions is to try to recognize the will of Auburn voters," Hanley said. "We had a recent council election just 13 months ago in which quite a few Auburn residents turned out. In that case, Bridget Powers did very well but lost by only 64 votes."Hanley said appointing a council member was preferable to having a special election to fill a one-year vacancy, which would cost taxpayers $30,000.Dowdin spoke as a member of the public in support of Powers, who was her nomination to the planning commission."This would be the only fiscally responsible thing to do at this point," she said. "And besides, you need to have at least one woman on the council."Councilman Bob Snyder moved that Powers be appointed and the council approved the nomination 4-0. Powers will be sworn in at the Dec. 12 meeting.In other business Monday night, the council:_ Reported out of closed session that City Manager Bob Richardson received very positive responses to his evaluation and will be up for additional compensation and an extended contract at the Dec. 12 meeting.The Journal's Michelle Miller can be reached at michellem@goldcountrymedia.com.