Nevada City Advocate - A free news & entertainment Newspaper Serving Nevada City & Greater Nevada County: New mayor should bring her own style

New mayor should bring her own style
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Opinion on Jul 25 07:11pm
 
The Nevada City mayor's position is considered by some to be a ceremonial one
since the councilors take turns doing one-year terms, a system designed to
prevent an elected official from amassing too much political power or leverage.
City councils like to be viewed as a band of equals, which is the case when it
comes time to vote on an ordinance or proposal.
But there's more to the mayor's role than being a figurehead who calls the
meeting to order or someone who simply casts a vote.
Conley Weaver was working as the project architect for Robinson Plaza while he
was the mayor of Nevada City. Like many others, he donated his time and skills
to help that project see the light of day. Now, it's a great addition to the
downtown and the perfect place to listen to live music while shopping at the
Saturday Farmers Market.
Barbara Coffman, who just finished her term as mayor, was extremely prepared
and in control of her meetings. As the head councilor, she had the ability to
manage discussions in ways that had an impact on discussions and proposals the
council considered.
Now due to a somewhat complicated succession formula and her own election-day
success, Reinette Senum has moved into the mayor's seat in just her second year
on the job.
She earned 794 votes in the 2008 election, which was 70 more than the incumbent
and second-place finisher David McKay received. Robert Bergman finished third to
fill the last seat on the council.
Most, if not everyone, who voted for Senum knows she is not one to wait for
things to happen.
She is the driving force behind the movement that has brought this town the
Saturday Farmers Market, Power Palooza, the Community Congress and now the
Sustainability Center, which went from an idea to a reality in just six months.
It's her spirit, drive and ability to get things done that led to the
election-day victory. We're hoping she brings that same style of leadership to
her role as the mayor.