By KYLE ODEGARD
Gazette-Times reporter | Posted: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 12:00 am
PHILOMATH - The gavel has been passed.
Ken Schaudt raised his right hand and took his oath of office to become Philomath's mayor on Monday night during the City Council meeting.
Schaudt, who ran unopposed in the general election, had previously served more than six years on the council, acting as its president for much of that time.
Former mayor Chris Nusbaum received a round of applause and thanks for his six years of service as mayor - including a nod from his successor.
"Chris, you are truly one of the good guys," Schaudt said.
Nusbaum might not be finished with local politics, however. Although he decided not to seek a fourth term as mayor, he said Monday that he might again run for the Benton County Board of Commissioners in 2012. The Republican was defeated Nov. 4 by incumbant Democratic commissioner Annabelle Jaramillo.
Nusbaum lost the race, but Schaudt said he showed his class by being gracious in defeat.
"I did not necessarily lose in the quest for county commissioner. I was simply learning how to win," Nusbaum said.
Rocky Sloan, who was elected to the City Council in November, also took his oath of office, as did Philomath Police Officer Brandon Thurman, the third Philomath High School graduate hired by the department in a row. Chief Ken Elwer said local candidates aren't given preferential treatment.
Jerry Jackson Sr. was unanimously voted council president.
The meeting also served as a sort of unveiling for the council chambers, where a remodel is 90 percent done. There's new wiring, paint, carpeting and chairs. City Manager Randy Kugler said the upgrades will cost about $5,000. Many office staff members pitched in to help provide the new look.
Nusbaum presided over a tumultuous time in Philomath politics, most notably surrounding the construction of the couplet through town in 2007. The controversial road project resulted in two one-way roads through town.
Perhaps his signature moment as mayor came during a council meeting regarding the couplet in 2003. The rhetoric at meetings had turned particularly venomous and Nusbaum pleaded for civility, saying the town had become the butt of jokes for its political infighting.
Nusbaum was elected by Philomath voters three times, but he won by only 31 votes during a three-way race in 2004.
During his campaign for county commissioner, Nusbaum emphasized Philomath's fiscal health and many volunteer-accomplished civic projects compared with other tax-dependent municipalities and government agencies.
Kyle Odegard can be contacted at kyle.odegard@lee.net or 758-9523.