The first meeting of the Ketchum City Council in 2006 established a new era for the governing body, with the installation of a new mayor and a vote to approve a new face, that of Steven Shafran, on the council.
"Mr. Mayor, I pass the gavel," outgoing Mayor Ed Simon said to his successor, Randy Hall.
Hall, former council president, and Councilmen Baird Gourlay and Ron Parsons were sworn in at the beginning of the council's meeting Tuesday, Jan. 3.
"I want to congratulate Mayor Hall and Councilmen Gourlay and Parsons," Simon said. "It's gratifying to see so many people who want to be involved, as I intend to be. Thank you for the last four years."
After City Clerk Sandra Cady swore in the new mayor, Hall's peers at the Ketchum Fire Department streamed into City Hall to congratulate him.
Hall is a volunteer firefighter/paramedic with the department.
Hall's first duty in his new position was to swear in his council colleagues.
Immediately after, Hall nominated Shafran to take his former seat on the four-person council.
Gourlay and Parsons voted to approve the nomination, with Councilwoman Terry Tracy casting the lone vote against him.
"I didn't know Steve before last week," Tracy said before voting. "We sat down for an hour and a half. I came away from that conversation impressed with Steve's outlook and background. He's sensitive to issues I hold near and dear. He's not only going to bring financial background but new residents who I hope will get involved. But I made a commitment two years ago and there were 457 voters who said (Anne Corrock) was the candidate they wanted."
Corrock, a Ketchum Planning & Zoning commissioner who came in third in November's council elections, made it known that she wanted Hall's seat on the council.
Hall told her in late December that her voting record and number of abstentions as commissioner were reasons he would take his search elsewhere.
Tracy reiterated her confidence in Shafran, but said she believed Ketchum voters want Corrock in the vacant seat.
"For that reason I cannot support his nomination," Tracy said.
Hall urged the public to embrace the new councilman.
"I think what's in the community's best interest is to meet him on his own terms," Hall said. "He brings a wealth of experience and I'm counting on you to accept him like you have us."
With the council and mayor installed, Tracy moved to elect Gourlay as council president, which was confirmed.
Ketchum Mayor Randy Hall, right, who was sworn into office Tuesday, welcomes Steven Shafran to the City Council after his appointment was confirmed in a 2-1 vote by the council. Shafran will complete the remaining two years of Hall's council term. Photo by Willy Cook
