PORT ANGELES — The City Council came under new leadership Tuesday evening with Councilwoman Cherie Kidd taking over as mayor.
Councilman Brad Collins became the new deputy mayor.
Kidd, who is serving her second term on the council, was elected unanimously by her colleagues. She replaced Councilman Dan Di Guilio, who served as mayor for two years.
The position is largely symbolic, but comes with a $150 a month pay increase.
The mayor acts as the chair of the council and helps direct discussion at meetings.
Di Guilio, who remains on the council, did not seek another term as mayor, and Kidd was the only council member to be nominated by her colleagues.
Kidd thanked Di Guilio for his two years as mayor and led the council, staff and the audience in giving him a round of applause.
“He’s been exemplary and we owe him a debt of gratitude . . .,” she said.
Di Guilio said he didn’t seek another term as mayor because he was ready to step back and knew Kidd was interested in the job.
“It was an honor,” he said.
“I feel very privileged by that.”
Collins replaces Don Perry as deputy mayor, who lost his seat to Sissi Bruch in the Nov. 8 general election.
Councilman Pat Downie was also nominated for deputy mayor — by Councilwoman Brooke Nelson — but didn’t receive enough votes.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
