Warren Gooch (2016 file photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch is seeking a second two-year term as mayor. Gooch has written a letter to the rest of the seven-member Oak Ridge City Council outlining why he is seeking re-election.
The Oak Ridge City Council is expected to appoint a mayor and mayor pro tem during its next meeting on December 12.
Four City Council members expressed an interest in serving as mayor two years ago, but so far this year, Gooch is the only one who has asked to be appointed.
The Oak Ridge City Council appoints two of its members as mayor and mayor pro tem at a regular meeting after each municipal election—they’re held every two years—and after all newly elected members have been duly qualified, according to the Oak Ridge City Charter. There was a municipal election on November 8 this year.
The mayor leads Council meetings; can vote on all Council matters, but does not have veto power; and is the ceremonial head of the city, according to the City Charter. The mayor signs ordinances and resolutions on final passage, and signs deeds, bonds, and contracts when authorized by the Council to do so. The mayor does not have any regular administrative duties, and he or she “shall perform only such duties as shall be specifically conferred.”
Oak Ridge has a city manager appointed by City Council who leads municipal operations on a daily basis.
The mayor pro tem, who also has a two-year term, can act when the mayor is absent or temporarily disabled. Oak Ridge City Council member Ellen Smith is now the mayor pro tem.
The City of Oak Ridge has received certified results from the November 8 election. That means the new City Council can be sworn in and start serving on December 12. One incumbent, Chuck Hope, was re-elected, and two new members, Jim Dodson and Hans Vogel, were elected.
The new City Council will include Council members Kelly Callison, Rick Chinn, Dodson, Gooch, Hope, Smith, and Vogel.
Two current City Council members, Trina Baughn and Charlie Hensley, did not seek re-election.
City Council members serve staggered four-year terms, meaning they’re not all elected at the same time. The seats occupied by Callison, Chinn, Gooch, and Smith will be on the November 2018 ballot.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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