David Sigler has been officially appointed and sworn in as interim mayor for the city of Lexington.
During a special called meeting last Thursday, Lexington City Council voted to appoint Sigler as interim mayor in a 6-0 vote, and he was sworn into office Friday morning. He will serve in that capacity until the special election on Nov. 3 to fill out the remainder of the term, which expires in 2028.
Sigler told The News-Gazette last week that he intends to run in the special election in November. At Thursday’s meeting, Council member Nicholas Betts also stated that he is considering running in the election, initially abstaining from the vote to appoint Sigler and citing that as a potential conflict of interest. He also noted that Sigler had previously abstained from the vote to increase the compensation for the mayor and city council positions. Sigler clarified that he abstained from that vote due to having “a financial interest in the decision greater than $5,000.”
Betts changed his vote to vote in favor of Sigler’s appointment so there would be “not procedural defects,” and noted that he had voted in favor of putting Sigler for- ward as a candidate for the interim mayor position so that there would be “continuity of government.” However, he maintained his opinion that “if you’re actively considering running for mayor it could potentially be a conflict [of interest].”
After the vote, Vice Mayor Marylin Alexander, who had assumed the duties of mayor in the wake of Frank Friedman’s death, thanked Sigler for being willing to take on the role.
“This isn’t going to be an easy task for anyone who does it, whether it’s for three months or three years or more,” she said. “Thank you for doing this, and thank you to your family in advance.”
“And if you need help, let us know,” Council member John Driscoll added with a smile.
Council then discussed steps for filling the remainder of Sigler’s term on City Council. Upon taking the oath of office, Sigler effectively resigned from his seat on Council. Council will need to appoint someone to fill the vacancy through the end of the term, which expires at the end of the year.
Following a brief discussion, it was decided that they would begin accepting applications from qualified city residents to fill the Council seat as soon as the seat was vacated as soon as possible.
Applications will be accepted through noon on Aug. 6 and Council will publicly announce the names of individuals who are being considered for the position at that evening’s Council meeting. Council will appoint someone to fill the seat from among that pool of candidates at its Aug. 20 meeting.
Eligible Lexington residents who wish to apply for the interim appointment to City Council can do so through the city website at https://www.lexingtonva.gov/ government/forms-applications/board-orcommission- membership-application.
Lexington residents interested in running in the special election for mayor are encouraged to speak to the city registrar and have until Aug. 14 to file the necessary paperwork to get their name on the ballot.
