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Laughlin wants to form a ‘mayor’s cabinet’
by Rick DeClue · News · August 20, 2015
Roger Laughlin was sworn in Monday as the mayor of West Branch, with complete support from the City Council and no challenges from other citizens interested in the position.
Mayor Pro Tem Colton Miller administered the oath of office and, happily thanking Laughlin, turned the gavel over to the new mayor to conduct the remainder of the meeting. Laughlin’s first item of business was to reappoint Miller as mayor pro tem.
Laughlin then presided over a relatively short agenda, but with items varying from a nuisance hearing on abandoned cars and a public hearing on recommended changes and clarifications to the city’s Zoning Ordinance to a closed session on current or imminent litigation involving the city.
During the comments session to end the public portion of the meeting, Laughlin heard from several council members who had received positive reviews from attendees of Hoover Hometown Days. As in the past, included in those comments were thoughts on how to make next year’s event even better.
Laughlin thanked the council for their support and noted his desire to continue efforts to keep the city’s downtown business community vibrant and attractive to visitors. He said he hopes for added restaurant and retail growth, using advertising to bring more people to town.
The mayor also introduced the concept of formation of a Mayor’s Cabinet to help the city pursue specific issues and develop new ideas.
“If the president can have a cabinet, why can’t I have a mayor’s cabinet?” he asked the council.
Laughlin described a flexible and informal arrangement which could attract input and expertise on a single issue or develop a group that would allow him to “pick brains” for ideas and direction.
The mayor invited council members to consider participating in these cabinet activities, “but not more than two of you at a time,” he said.
This comment was in reference to the state’s “Sunshine Laws” governing gatherings of three or more city officials.
City attorney Kevin Olson congratulated the new mayor on remembering the warnings about the Sunshine Laws, a subject of many presentations made by Olson to city officials and councils over the years.
While Laughlin said he has not had much direct feedback or questions from citizens since the news broke several weeks ago of his possible appointment as mayor, he knows that will change. He said he is fully aware that the size and nature of West Branch lends itself to conversations with the mayor on the street to provide advice on what the city needs -- or to complain.
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