Mayor pro tem a hot commodity in Mt. CB

Farmer will serve for now with revote slated for June

[  By Kendra Walker  ]

While the Mt. Crested Butte town council was unanimous in electing Nicholas Kempin as its new mayor last week, the role of mayor pro tem is still a bit up in the air. Both council members Roman Kolodziej and Steve Morris are vying for the role, but with a tied vote last Tuesday, former mayor Janet Farmer will serve as mayor pro tem until all council members are present for a revote. The role of mayor pro tem assumes mayoral duties in the event of the mayor’s absence.

Council member Michael Bacani was absent at the April 19 meeting due to spring break, which resulted in a split 3-3 council vote between Kolodziej and Morris. However, neither Kolodziej or Morris were interested in conceding. 

“I think both Roman and I have a similar vision and path that we have identified,” said Morris. “I think both of us are pretty passionate about the position. I think the most reasonable option to me is to revote. Ideally it would be nice to have Michael’s voice.” 

Kolodziej, who will be out of town until June, was in favor of deciding that evening. He suggested they both state their cases to see if anyone changed their mind or draw straws. 

 “I know thumb wrestling was a joke…” joked Kempin, who suggested a coin toss would also be a fair option. 

Council member Dwayne Lehnertz suggested Farmer fill the role until the council was all in attendance to revote. Farmer was willing to serve temporarily, “I would rather everyone has a chance to vote,” she said. “I don’t want to keep it so it’s not a problem.”

The council voted 4-1, with Kolodziej voting against, to elect Farmer as mayor pro tem with the intention of her stepping down from the role in June so the full council can vote.