Dicterow takes gavel from Pearson-Schneider

Incumbent City Council candidate Steven Dicterow was elected Tuesday to complete Elizabeth Pearson-Schneider’s second term as mayor.

Pearson-Schneider had announced June 6 that she was stepping aside as mayor but would continue to serve on the council. She nominated Dicterow for mayor and Councilwoman Toni Iseman as Mayor Pro Tem. Both candidates were up for re-election.

“I was nominated when the city needed someone to complete the work on the landslide,” Pearson-Schneider said. “It was Steve’s turn in the natural rotation, and he may not get re-elected.”

Pearson-Schneider said under usual council practice Dicterow, who was mayor pro tem last year, would have been elected mayor in December.

Some have criticized filling the mayoral post with an incumbent seeking re-election. No vacancies were opened by Pearson-Schneider stepping aside, although two of the council members are not up for re-election this year.

Pearson-Schneider said she could stay on as mayor, but that might be perceived as giving her an advantage in the election.

Dicterow was elected on a 4-1 vote. Councilwoman Jane Egly opposed. The vote for Iseman was unanimous.

? By Barbara Diamond