Monterey Aldermen Waiting To Appoint New Mayor Until 2023

Monterey aldemen do not want to name a new mayor until after the first of the year.

Monterey Alderman Charles Looper said he does not want a special called election to decide who will serve as mayor. Looper said the town has historically appointed an alderman to fill mayor vacancies. However, the board has not officially discussed the matter.

“What we’re going to do I don’t know yet, and I don’t think any of us really has made up our mind on what we want to do,” Looper said. “I know we don’t want to have another election to do it, because it costs too much money to do that. It’s always been appointments.”

Looper said he expects a decision on the mayorship to be made in the new year. Looper said he is not concerned about the town not having a designated leader at this time. Looper said he believes in the capabilities of Vice-Mayor Mark Farley as well as other board members.

Alderman Amy Martin said based on the town’s charter, appointing a mayor is the only option. Martin said she is not interested changing the guidelines to accommodate other options.

Farley currently serves as interim mayor. Farley has repeatedly said he does not want to be mayor.

The position left vacant after the passing of Nathan Walker earlier this fall.