Veteran Bangor Councilor Appointed as Chair
The Bangor City Council has officially appointed Susan Hawes as its chair. This important decision follows last week’s elections, where three new councilors took their oaths of office. The council meeting took place on a Monday morning at City Hall.
New Leadership in Bangor City Council
Long-serving councilor Susan Hawes, now entering her 15th year of service, was elected chair with a vote of 6-3. Many see her as a guiding force for the council, especially after a tumultuous period marked by a former chair’s resignation in September and incidents of disruptive hate speech during meetings.
- Newly Elected Councilors:
- Susan Faloon
- Daniel Carson
- Angela Walker
Chair’s Vision for the Future
During the organizational meeting, Hawes expressed her commitment to transparency and professionalism. She aims to restore civility among council members and with the public. “I feel like I have the institutional knowledge for the job,” she stated.
Councilor Carolyn Fish nominated Hawes, highlighting her experience as the longest-serving member of the council. Fish emphasized the need for steady leadership as the council comprises a new, youthful group. Meanwhile, Councilor Joe Leonard nominated Michael Beck, promoting him as a candidate who could introduce fresh ideas.
Upcoming Council Initiatives
The council’s new members are poised to tackle significant issues, with their first regular meeting scheduled for the same evening. A primary agenda item will be the revision of public comment policies, particularly addressing Zoom participation.
- Proposed Changes Include:
- Removal of Zoom participation option
- Adjustments to meeting rules to prevent disruptions
Hawes confirmed that she would not hesitate to remove disruptive individuals from meetings. However, she also mentioned the possibility of reinstating Zoom participation under stricter regulations in the future. “I really hope meetings go back to their normal, boring selves,” said Leonard, underscoring the need for a return to productive governance.
Bangor School Committee Leadership
In a related event, the Bangor School Committee appointed Timothy Surette as chair, with Katie Brydon serving as vice chair. This decision marks a new chapter for the committee as it welcomes new members.
Overall, these leadership changes in Bangor highlight a shift towards more organized and civil governance, aiming to create an environment conducive to productive dialogue and decision-making.
