Mayor Quordiniah Lockley nominated Selectman Tommy McKenzie Tuesday to act as mayor in the case of his absence.
Lockley’s nomination of McKenzie to serve as mayor pro tem follows Selectman Matt Codding’s previous suggestion that the board appoint Selectwoman at-large Tabitha Felder Isaac to the position after Isaac said she didn’t want it.
“In the past the mayor made the recommendation and the board voted on it,” Lockley said. “I plan to make a recommendation of Mr. Tommy McKenzie to serve as mayor pro tem.
“After talking to Selectwoman Isaac, Selectwoman Isaac made it clear to me that she did not want to serve.”
“I second that,” Isaac said after Lockley mentioned McKenzie for the position.
McKenzie, who has previously served on the board and is the only sitting selectman to have ever served in city government prior to the beginning of the board’s term in July, said he wasn’t sure if he’d accept the position.
“Hmm. That’s the first I’ve heard about it,” he said.
The mayor pro tem cannot vote when presiding over meetings, except to break a tie. As Isaac was leaving the board meeting she said that’s the deal-breaker for her.
“I’m not giving up my right to vote,” she said.
Lockley kept discussions about the subject brief.
“That’s all I have to say on that,” he said before turning to other business.
