BREAKING Back to Back Mayor Term:
Two New Council Members Sworn In, Mayor John Bauters is Forwarded to Be Mayor For a Second Term
Tonight mayor John Bauters was elected mayor by his colleagues, skipping Ally Medina who had been Vice Mayor and in line to become mayor. The action makes Mr Bauters mayor two years running, an unprecedented thing in Emeryville history. The Council elected Cortney Welch as Vice Mayor.
The move was not without drama, Vice Mayor Medina invoked newly elected Council member Kalimah Priforce’s privilege as a “man” after he raised objections to the prospect of re-upping of Mr Bauters for a second term. Ms Medina called Mr Priforce “offensive” as he raised his objection, saying it didn’t “feel right” having the mayor go for a second round.
The name-calling came moments after departing Council member Dianne Martinez stated the most important thing the new Council needs to do moving forward is to maintain collegiality.
