Bujalski Replaces Barnette as Vice Mayor

Those tuning into Dunedin TV for tonight's city commission meeting will notice a different face sitting at Mayor Dave Eggers' right hand. 

Commissioner Julie Ward Bujalski was selected by her peers to take over Ron Barnette's role as vice mayor on Dec. 6 at City Hall.

"If we look at the rotation, Commissioner Bujalski is probably up to bat," Barnette said.  "And, if she promises to behave herself, I'd like to nominate her."

"I can never promise that," Bujalski said with a laugh.

After no other nominations were made, and Bujalski assumed the position, Barnette passed on his seat in comical, but ceremonious fashion.

"Not to continue a tradition forever, but I made a promise to the person who passed me this mini gavel a year or so back that I'd share it with my successor," he said, handing a minature gavel to Bujalski.

"You have some big shoes to fill there, Commissioner Bujalski," Eggers said. 

Bujalski's term as vice mayor term is effective through Nov. 21, 2013, according to the City Charter. The vice mayor's duties are to act in place of Mayor Dave Eggers in the case of his absence.

Although the vice mayoral position has traditionally been rotated each year, a city amendment passed on Nov. 6 made the practice an official requirement. 

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