By Brandi Makuski

As expected, Gary Wescott has been unanimously elected by the Common Council as the city’s interim mayor.

Wescott, who had previously been elected 3 times as the city’s mayor, last left office in 2007. He now serves on the city’s Police and Fire Commission, a position he may be required to leave once he takes office Dec. 1.

The sole applicant for the spot, Wescott addressed the Council prior to Monday’s vote. He pointed to the accomplishments of his administration, with the help of the Council, during his previous time in office.

I stand with you this evening, grateful for the consideration of my interest in returning to serve the people of Stevens Point. Many of us, as I look over this group, worked together during my prior 12 years as your mayor. In those years, together as a community we shared many successes. For example, many important safety upgrades were made to the City of Stevens Point, as Mayor Halverson certainly knows. Significant investments were made in public works, record economic growth was attained, and protection of our community’s quality of life was preserved.

Wescott has said he “probably would not” have interest in running for another full mayoral term, and will serve as interim mayor until April 20, when the term expires and a newly-elected mayor will be sworn in. He can provide a smooth transition between Halverson and a new mayor with five solid months of strong communication, he told the Council.

It’s imperative the work we do here, the leadership that you provide, ensures that Stevens Point remains a community of opportunity; a place where families will play, work and will be extremely proud to call Stevens Point home. Bringing people together, and mixing the skills, knowledge and resources across our entire community, we will do great things working together. As we continue to work, communication, collaboration and creativity will see us through out challenges. We have so much to be grateful for in Stevens Point, with much opportunity to pursue.

In early October Halverson announced he would be leaving office early to take a job with Ellis Stone in Stevens Point. He had previously announced he would not seek a third term.