San Marcos

Former San Marcos Mayor Lionel Burton has been appointed to a two-year City Council term, succeeding the councilman who succeeded him as mayor.

Burton, one of six people who offered their name to appointment after promising not to run for election in 1988, was chosen by a 4-0 vote on the first ballot Tuesday night.

He was immediately sworn in, taking the seat held by Lee Thibadeau, who had two years remaining on his four-year term when he was elected in November as mayor, succeeding Burton who did not seek reelection.

Burton, 59, served as mayor from 1974-76 and again for two consecutive terms in 1982-86.

Other applicants for the post included former Mayor Andy Fiamengo, former City Councilman Dick Danover, former Planning Commissioner Richard Bivin, local dairyman William Verhoeven and an unsuccessful candidate in last November’s election, Patricia Sawyer.

Local school trustee Mike Preston, the runner-up in November’s election, applied for Thibadeau’s seat but then withdrew, saying debate over whether to appoint him could divide the community. He also said he was troubled by the stipulation that he not seek election in 1988.