Salem City Clerk Bev Quinn (left) swears in Acting Mayor Nic Farley as Kendra Rose holds the Bible.
The Salem City Council has appointed an acting Mayor to serve out the remainder of the term of the late Mayor Sue Morgan.
Nic Farley, who has been running the meetings as Mayor Pro-tem since Morgan became ill about four months ago, got the unanimous support of the city council to move into the Acting Mayor position.
“I am very humbled and very appreciative of the council who has the support in me to carry on. It’s very sad with the passing of Sue but we have to carry on and I want to do her legacy well and do great for the city of Salem.”
Farley will face off with Brock Waggoner for Mayor in the April municipal election. Waggoner challenged the council Monday night on the need to name an acting mayor after City Attorney Mike Jones made the recommendation.
City Clerk Bev Quinn added her research of state law showed the need for the appointment.
Farley concurred after being sworn-in by Quinn.
“There are some legal requirements that acting Mayor that Mayor Pro-tem legally wasn’t allowed to do, so we wanted to make that change so the city of Salem would be covered in case there would be any issues.”
The change also allowed the council to appoint a new Mayor Pro-tem in the event Farley has to be absent. Councilman Jim Koehler will fill that role.
Farley will be able to return to complete the final two years of his city council term if he does not win the April election.
Salem Acting Mayor Nic Farley (left) swears in Councilman Jim Koehler as the new Mayor Pro-Tem.
