City swears in new mayor, council members

Judge Mike Towers swore in Rebeca Gibson as new city mayor and Jeff Flowers and Lynn Palmer as new city council members.

The pledges occurred at a special Nov. 30 council meeting, during which all three new members of the council promised to faithfully execute the duties of their respective offices for the City of Bandera and to the best of their ability, to preserve, protect, and defend constitution and the laws of the United States, and State of Texas, and the City of Bandera.

As the exiting city council members left their current seats, Mayor Gibson presented tokens of appreciation to former Mayor Susan Schauman and former city council members Darcy Hasty and Toni Kunz.

Gibson then thanked each of them for their service.

She told Kunz that she was thankful for her many years of dedication and service.

“It’s been an honor working with you,” Gibson said.

To Hasty, she said, “Darcy Hasty, who has been a real pleasure to work with over the last couple of years, she’s been a strong and formidable presence and we will not forget it.”

To Schauman, she said, “Bring me that gavel. Suzanne Schauman, in my entire tenure here on the City Council, she’s been a real exceptional leader and I’ve learned a lot from her and I won’t forget it. I will be calling you for advice.”

Afterwards, the new Council members took their respective seats at the Council table.

The Council then discussed the vacant seat to be filled until the next election, which was vacated with Gibson’s election to mayor.

Councilman Jerry Russe made a motion to open and take applications until their next regular meeting on December 6. That meeting was held after the Bulletin’s press deadline.

Councilwoman Christine Morse stressed there should be a questions and answers session for the applicants during the selection process, and Gibson confirmed this could occur during that particular agenda item during the meeting.

The council will also vote on the assignment of Mayor Pro Tem at that time. That position was previously held by Gibson.