New Mayor And Council Sworn In As New Era Begins At Flagstaff City Hall

The City of Flagstaff welcomed a new council and new Mayor Becky Daggett Tuesday afternoon inside a full council chambers at City Hall. The session started with the previous council beginning the meeting, most in person with the exception of now former Mayor Paul Deasy, who joined the session via Zoon. Soon after, Daggett was sworn in as Flagstaff’s new mayor with a standing ovation and a cheer. Daggett says she hasn’t gotten used to the fact that she’s mayor, but with every step she says, “oh I’m going to be Mayor and even today it was oh I’m going to be mayor and I even told my dogs, when I get home I’m going to be mayor and now I am.” Also sworn in was new council members Lori Matthews, Khara House and Deb Harris, along with Austin Aslan, who was unanimously elected by the new mayor and council as the city’s new Vice Mayor, although it’s a formality as traditions the council candidate with the most votes is awarded the title. As for what is ahead for the new council, Daggett says she wants to get with staff to hear about things they are working on, with emphasis on “affordable housing and climate action and also scheduling meetings with the public and really trying to hit the ground running.” After a brief reception, there was a short session to start the new council’s term. A few residents used public participation to ask the council to better address climate change and council members chose their new commission spots.