DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY \ dewayne@mcnews.online
NORMAN – In a special called meeting Thursday, February 13, the Norman City Council voted unanimously to appoint Alderman Homer Ethridge to serve as Mayor of Norman for the remainder of the current term. He fills the position left vacant due to the tragic death of Mayor Roseanna Markham Friday, February 7.
Norman Fire Chief Loren Michener was asked to serve as moderator for the group. Prosecuting Attorney Andy Riner was unhand to offer legal counsel if needed.
After a brief discussion of possible applicants to fill the vacant mayor’s office Etheridge spoke up. He shared that the only reason he was still on the city council was because Roseanna had asked him to stay until she had completed this current term, which he gladly did.
He stated that if no one else wanted to be appointed he would put his name up for consideration. All other aldermen voiced their support and he was appointed to the position unanimously.
Riner recommended that he resign his position as alderperson and the vacant position be announced at the next council meeting. This would give time for the position to be announced in the Montgomery County News and other news media outlets. A special called meeting could be called to fill the vacant alderperson position, or they could wait until the next regular council meeting.
After being appointed to the mayor’s position Etheridge announced his resignation as alderperson. Alderperson Jason Whitaker asked if there was any legal reason that would prevent Ethridge’s wife from being appointed to fill his now vacant position on the city council. Riner stated that as far as he knew there was no reason that would prevent her from being appointed if that was the desire of the council members.
Ethridge will complete the remainder of Markham’s current term in office at which time a mayor will be selected in the general election in 2022.
