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Council unanimously selects Councilor Norma Owen as mayor pro tem
Summary
At its Nov. 20 organizational meeting, the Lago Vista City Council voted unanimously to appoint Councilor Norma Owen as mayor pro tem after multiple nominations and substitute motions. The mayor had recommended Owen, and the council moved through substitute motions before confirming the mayor’s nomination.
The Lago Vista City Council unanimously appointed Councilor Norma Owen as mayor pro tem at its Nov. 20 organizational meeting.
Mayor (presiding) put Owen forward as his preferred choice and praised her leadership experience; several council members offered alternative nominations and substitute motions during an extended discussion of qualifications.
Councilor Benfield nominated Councilor Prince as a substitute; that motion received support but failed on a recorded voice vote after one member intentionally abstained on a substitute motion. The council then returned to the mayor’s original nomination and approved Owen without dissent.
The appointment was made by voice vote after members argued for different approaches to selecting a mayor pro tem (experience with meeting procedure, precedent on length of service, and continuity). The mayor said he had confidence Owen would step into the role when needed and cited their longstanding working relationship.
The council moved on to other organizational business following the nomination and vote.
The selection is an internal operational decision; the mayor pro tem fills in for the mayor when the mayor is absent and serves as a signer and presiding officer as needed.
