BRISTOL, Va. – Current Mayor Jim Rector is expected to retain that post when the City Council holds its annual reorganizational meeting Wednesday morning.
Each July 1, the council selects a mayor, vice mayor, city clerk, city manager and city attorney, as well as makes committee appointments. All four council members contacted by phone Monday said they expect Rector to continue as mayor for a third consecutive year.
“I’m going to recommend that Jim [Rector] stay on,” Vice Mayor Fred Bowman said. “I’d also like to mention Ernie Sprouse become vice mayor. I wouldn’t mind if either of the other ones wanted it, but I believe it usually goes by seniority.”
Sprouse has served more than two years since he was appointed in May 2007 to fill the unexpired term of former Councilman Frank Goodpasture III. Rector – who previously served from 1982-1994, including eight years as mayor – and Bowman are beginning their fourth year on the city’s top elected board. Councilmen Guy Odum and Jim Heaney are completing their first years in office.
Asked if he would consider taking the city’s top post, Bowman said he isn’t interested.
“I just don’t have the time to devote to it – with my job, my other commitments and wanting to spend time with my family,” Bowman said, adding he would consider another term as vice mayor.
Sprouse echoed support for Rector to remain in the city’s top post.
“I think Jim Rector will be nominated again, if he’s willing to do that,” Sprouse said. “If Fred is willing, I think he should be vice mayor again.”
Asked if he would consider becoming vice mayor, Sprouse expressed some interest.
“I would be interested in being vice mayor, if they chose me. I don’t feel I have the time to do the mayor’s job, but being vice mayor would be a good experience,” Sprouse said.
If asked, Rector said he would serve a third straight year as mayor.
“I haven’t talked with anyone, but I do not expect any major changes,” Rector said.
The mayoral selection process comes on the heels of a June 23 split council vote to approve the city’s fiscal 2009-10 spending plan. Last week, Rector, Bowman and Sprouse voted to approve a plan that includes restructuring some long-term debt as a way to balance the city’s $50.3 million general fund operating budget.
Odum voted against the plan and Councilman Jim Heaney – who lobbied for additional cost-cutting – missed the meeting.
Odum, who was critical of a process he said should include additional spending cuts, doesn’t foresee changes.
“At the present time, with this City Council, I don’t see any change in the status quo, as far as the mayor and vice mayor are concerned,” Odum said.
Asked if he plans to nominate anyone else or would consider a nomination, Odum said he hasn’t discussed such a possibility with any other council member.
Attempts to contact Heaney were unsuccessful.
The Wednesday meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. in the council chambers of City Hall, 300 Lee St.
dmcgee@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2532
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