David Schwan elected new mayor of Carefree
By Curtis Riggs | June 3, 2009
Glenn Miller in as vice mayor
CAREFREE – The more things changed, the more they stayed the same for the new Carefree Town Council, which was seated on Tuesday.
Despite newcomers Doug Stavoe and Peter Koteas making many contributions in their first meeting and six-term Councilman Bob Coady receiving three votes for mayor, efforts to effect real change were thwarted by three incumbents and Town Clerk Betsy Wise.
Koteas made a motion the council should only consider a mayor who was elected in the March primary. This would have limited the choices to Coady, Stavoe and incumbent Glenn Miller.
Koteas referred to campaign rhetoric about not lowering standards for election of mayor. He said he was “offering a fig leaf” with his motion.
Wise claimed not to understand Koteas’ motion and Town Attorney Tom Chenal explained town code states the mayor shall be selected from seven council members.
The rest of the council ignored Koteas’ attempt at conciliation and Miller nominated David Schwan, who finished near the bottom in both of the spring elections.
Schwan was elected by a 4 – 3 vote. Miller, incumbent Bob Gemmill, newcomer Susan Vanik and Schwan voted in favor of Schwan.
Miller was elected vice mayor, also by a 4 – 3 vote.
Photo: Mayor David Schwan was sworn into office Tuesday evening by Carefree Town Clerk Betsy Wise. Schwan was elected with a 4–3 vote by the newly seated council.
Photo by Curtis Riggs