ARTESIA : Bickering Delays Vote on Mayoral Rotation

For many cities, the annual tradition of rotating the mayor’s position among council members is as simple as taking a vote and passing the gavel.

But in Artesia last week the largely ceremonial event sparked bickering among City Council members about who should preside in the coming year. Unable to strike a verbal agreement, the five-member council decided not to vote on the matter until its meeting May 8.

Traditionally, the job would have gone to Mayor Pro Tem Robert Jamison, who was supported by Councilman Ron Oliver. However, Councilman Timothy J. Kelemen disagreed with the nomination, arguing that Jamison has been mayor four times in his 23 years on the council.

Kelemen nominated current Mayor Isidro S. Menezes, saying the popular official, who was elected to the council in 1992, deserves another year.

Menezes did not formally accept the nomination, saying he wanted to gauge public opinion about serving a second term. “If the people want me to serve, I will serve,” he said.

Jamison said he agreed that Menezes did a good job in office, but that the position should be rotated among council members. “I am in line for the mayorship, and I should receive it,” he said.

Though the mayor chairs council meetings and represents the city at events, the post is essentially equal in power and salary to the other council seats.