City Hall Inaugural: New Council, New Mayor and New Challenges

A swearing-in ceremony should be both solemn and fun. The rules are simple: dress up, bring your family, friends and staff, and speak briefly. At City Hall on Monday, two returning council members, Mike Martinez and Sheryl Cole, and two new members, Chris Riley and Bill Spelman, along with the new Mayor, Lee Leffingwell, took the oath of office. Leffingwell moves to the center position of what he called a strong city council. In a short speech, he cautioned that tax revenues continued to decline. Using a metaphor from his days as a pilot, he said, “We will arrive safely at our destination, but there might be some turbulence along the way.” Leffingwell offered no specifics on his budget priorities. The inaugural was also an opportunity for the council to thank outgoing Mayor Will Wynn for his nine years of service. Martinez praised his leadership and cited the welcome extended to Katrina victims as an example. Wynn and outgoing council member Brewster McCracken received sustained applause as they walked off the dais for the last time.

Each of the newly elected council members spoke. Martinez worried about the budget: “Folks, we are facing a $43M short fall in this year’s budget.” Riley intends to keep Austin special, what he called “a hilly, green retreat.” Spelman’s five-minute speech grew to thirteen minutes as he went broad: fulfilling, well-paying jobs, decent housing, health-care, public safety, and a clean environment. And Sheryl Cole focused her remarks on transportation, Waller Creek, and how to prevent any more “serious, police-involved shootings.” Her last comment drew a soft “amen” from someone in the crowd.

The council purchased, with private funds, a going away gift for Will Wynn: a black street bicycle (helmet not included). Literally, he looked ready and willing to ride off into the hot summer sunshine. Based simply on smiles, Wynn seemed to be having the best time.

Mike Martinez was elected Mayor Pro Tem. A few of the notable in the standing-room-only crowd of the 250 people were: Sarah Bird, Kirk Watson, Bruce Todd, Lloyd Doggett, and Michael McCaul.