A Knight in Dragonland

City staff, council members and incoming Mayor Dave Tebben all sported emerald green bow-ties as Mayor Frank Mackaman adjourned the previous council and passed the gavel yesterday evening. New council members Barb Strand, John Abel, Rusty Dunn and the veteran Jim Jones were sworn in along with Mayor Tebben, joining Sue Ann Kortkamp and Tom Blanchard.

It was mostly a night for goodbyes, hellos and symbolism – only 4 items were on the agenda, and all passed by a 7-0 vote.

I’d like to join Dave Tebben and the council in thanking Frank Mackaman for his service to the community. In my opinion, he was just what Pekin needed after the Lyn Howard debacle – a man of integrity with a strong work ethic.

Mackaman’s organizational skills were also a great asset. He was the driving force behind renewing a formal conceptual plan for Pekin, and along with City Manager Dennis Kief undertook an effort to bring all the incoming council members up to speed before they took their seats.  He apparently even organized the mail boxes in city hall!

The man with the bow-tie will be missed.

I think the new 7-member council has great diversity of experience, and Dave Tebben will provide strong leadership and enthusiasm as mayor. I look forward to seeing what the next two years will bring for Pekin.