CARRAN IN CHARGE AS EFFORT TO REPLACE BOWMAN OFFICIALLY BEGINS

by Michael Monks
Email Michael
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-River-City-News/244172412265645
@theRCnews on Twitter

She had already announced her intention to take over the mayor's seat, but 2012 came early for Commissioner Sherry Carran. At least for now. The three-term commissioner from Botany Hills was elevated to Mayor Pro Tem following the commission's unanimous acceptance of the resignation by former Mayor Denny Bowman who stepped down officially last Friday.

"We all have our unique set of skills," Carran said, referencing her fellow commissioners. "Whatever other skills are needed, we will evaluate." Carran will preside over meetings in her new role.

The four commissioners are tasked with naming a replacement for Bowman, whose term is not over until the end of 2012, following the next election. The commission has two choices: appoint someone from within their ranks (and then appoint someone to the vacated commission seat) or go outside the commission. For the first option, the commissioner elevated to mayor would need unanimous support from the other three. From outside, the candidate would need a majority. There is a thirty day window to name the replacement or the issue is handed off to Governor Steve Beshear.

SEE ALSO: CITY ADDS 12 FIREFIGHTERS, OFFERS EXPLANATION
Multiple commissioners have expressed desire to appoint someone from outside the current commission so as not to give any one person an edge should she or he be on the mayoral ballot next November. "We will do what's best for our city, not for just one individual," Carran said.

As for Bowman, remarks from the commission were short, limited to simple well wishes. Public improvements employee Steve Banfield addressed the commission to offer his appreciation for the outgoing mayor. "My coworkers and I will miss him more than I can say. He stands one-hundred percent behind the people who work for him," Banfield said. Firefighter Mike Clendenen also praised Bowman, calling him a great ambassador for the city.
WATCH THE LATEST WEBCAST: