By Tammy Moore Teague
The city of Mansfield has been in leadership limbo ever since former Mayor Larry Austin resigned his position. By statute the city council was to appoint a new mayor last Thursday night but was unable to make that appointment. With two interested parties being passed over, what is the council searching for in the mayor appointment?
The only requirements, according to Mansfield City Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker, include living within the city limits, no criminal history and be at least 18 years of age. Are these enough to capture the skills needed to hold the office? Under normal circumstances each candidate would have campaign to showcase their abilities and readiness. However, this is an instance in which there will be no winning popular vote by the citizens. The residents are relying solely on the elected city council members to make that decision.
Mansfield residents do have their own opinion on what a candidate needs in order for the city to prosper. “Number one is that they can work well with others and sincerely want what is best for the town,” said Joey Daniel. Others agree that willingness is simply not enough. It is round the clock job that always requires one to be on call. Therefore some feel an ideal candidate would have experience and a college degree. Lifelong resident and former council member of 17 years, Deborah Musgrove, advised “…a business degree, or a law degree would be nice. A person who allows department heads to do their job and if things are not done, remove him/her from that position. They should understand second class city problems and can work with city recorder.”
Many others who no longer reside in Mansfield are still vested in the city’s future. People like former resident Larry Stanfill, who said “it’s my hometown and my heart is still there.”
If you are interested in serving the city as mayor you are invited to attend Thursday nights meeting which starts at 7 p.m.
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