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Laconia council appoints Charlie Sinclair interim mayor after special meeting
Summary
The Laconia City Council voted 6-0 Sept. 4 to appoint Charlie Sinclair as interim mayor after interviewing two candidates; the post is largely ceremonial under the city charter and will continue until the newly elected mayor takes office in January.
The Laconia City Council voted 6-0 Wednesday to appoint Charlie Sinclair as interim mayor following a special meeting and candidate interviews held Sept. 4 in the Amman Baldic City Council Chambers. Councilors said Sinclair will serve through the regular election cycle and until the next mayor takes office in January.
City officials said the mayoral role in Laconia is largely ceremonial under the city charter, with the mayor’s principal formal power to break tie votes on the council. Councilors told candidates they were seeking someone to preside over meetings and keep council business moving during the interim period.
Charlie Sinclair, who identified himself as chair of the Planning Board, told councilors, “I have no agenda except to keep things moving along for the next 4 months and work with the councilors on the projects that they have we have going right now in the city.” Councilors repeatedly cited Sinclair’s experience running meetings and working with local boards when explaining their votes.
Matthew “Matty” Thomas also interviewed for the temporary post. Thomas, who described himself as a Laconia resident and seasonal employee at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, said he was not seeking to change policy: “I’m not here to affect any legislation or change.” He said he would seek counsel from the council before making decisions if appointed.
Councilor Cheney asked Sinclair to pledge that he would not participate in any city process relating to a personal property sale to the city. Sinclair replied that the matter had “come to a total halt” and said, “I would have, absolutely nothing to do with that.”
After interviews, Councilor Felt moved to appoint Sinclair and Councilor Soussick seconded. Recording Secretary Katie Gargano announced the tally as six votes in the affirmative and the motion passed. The council did not adopt any new policies in the vote; the action was an appointment to fill the mayor’s chair until the elected mayor assumes office.
Councilors encouraged Thomas to consider serving on other boards or commissions; several members praised Sinclair’s local involvement. Councilor Phelps said Sinclair has “brought Pumpkin Fest to Laconia” and called him able to run a meeting, while other councilors noted his Planning Board experience as relevant to presiding over council sessions.
The council did not specify an exact start date for Sinclair’s ceremonial duties beyond the appointment vote, and no changes to city policy or staff assignments were directed at the meeting.
