City of Lincoln outlines Mayoral Transition Plan

[March 19, 2015]  LINCOLN - In response to the resignation of Mayor Keith Snyder from office on March 16, the City must now work to fill the vacancy created by his departure. It is common in cases when the mayor is unable to perform his duties that a mayor pro tempore fills the temporary vacancy. However, in situations where the vacancy is permanent, such as a resignation, the mayor pro tempore cannot fill that role.

Therefore, the City must revert to state statutes on how to address the issue. Illinois law refers to the appointment of an “Acting Mayor” who would be able to fill the vacancy.

An Acting Mayor must be elected by the alderman from a member of the council, and the action must be taken at a public meeting.

Once appointed, the Acting Mayor then has two options. The individual can retain their aldermanic seat while serving as Mayor, but can only vote once as an alderman and cannot veto ordinances. Therefore, issues can arise where tie votes occur without a tie-breaking vote.

The individual could also resign as alderman and assume the role as Mayor. In this case, the Acting Mayor would then be able to appoint a member to the vacant aldermanic seat, to cast a tie-breaking vote, and to veto ordinances.

In either case, the Acting Mayor will have the capability to appoint individuals to any of the City’s boards and commissions. The Acting Mayor will serve in the balance of the term of Mayor Snyder which is scheduled to end April 30, 2017.

Alderman Neitzel’s appointment to temporary chairman was made to continue the City’s practice of orderly and civil public meetings. The temporary chairmanship will end with the appointment of an Acting Mayor.

The City Council understands that the daily operations of the City are stable and recognizes that there is no need to rush a decision. The City is performing its due diligence to make sure they follow the state and local laws appropriately and understand the increased roles and responsibilities of the Mayor.

[Clay Johnson, City of Lincoln City Administrator]