Clayton swears in three council members, names Andrea Archer mayor pro tem; outgoing mayor pro tem Michael Sims honored

The Town of Clayton swore in three council members and completed organizational business at its regular meeting.

Andrea Archer, Porter Casey and Amanda Underwood each took the oath of office administered by council and guest officials. After being sworn, Archer said she was ‘‘humbled’’ to begin another term and pledged to listen and to ‘do the homework’ before voting. Porter Casey thanked family and said he will serve for the community; Amanda Underwood thanked voters and promised to listen to constituents and try to make decisions for the majority.

The council then took nominations for mayor pro tem. Councilmember Gretchen Williams moved to nominate Andrea Archer; a second was made and the council voted in favor. The mayor noted that Archer is Clayton’s first female mayor pro tem and that, for the first time in Clayton history, a majority of the board is under female leadership.

Council also recognized outgoing mayor pro tem Michael Sims with a series of tributes from colleagues, public safety leadership and community members who praised his long service, leadership roles on boards and community initiatives. Remarks cited his work with Harbor, YMCA, the Harvest Festival and other local programs.

During the public comment period, John Scarpa raised concerns about the most recent election and said he intended to make a motion to recall the election, alleging an irregularity in vote reporting. Scarpa said he was a candidate and had voted for himself but could not find his vote reflected; the speaker asked for a board member to second a motion to recall. Council did not take formal action on the allegation during the meeting.

The mayor then read council liaison assignments and advisory board appointments for 2026 and the council adjourned.