Rutledge takes over as Mayor in BC, vacant council seat filled

City council for the City of Bridge City underwent a slight transformation on Tuesday night as council reorganized following the May 7 uniform election. Pictured, left to right, is Mayor David Rutledge, Councilperson Kirk Roccaforte, Place 2; Councilperson Eric Andrus, Place 4; and Councilperson Lucy Fields, Place 6. Photo by Tommy Mann Jr.

One era came to an end and another began during Tuesday's city council meeting in Bridge City.

David Rutledge officially assumed the position of Mayor for the City of Bridge City during Tuesday evening's council meeting at City Hall. Rutledge, who had served one year as the Place 1 councilperson, ran unopposed as Mayor in the May 7 uniform election.

After reaching his 10 years of service term limit as Mayor of Bridge City, Kirk Roccaforte won his election earlier this month and became the new councilmember for Place 2.

Eric Andrus won re-election to his seat in Place 4 and former councilmember Lucy Fields defeated two opponents, including the incumbent, to become the Place 6 councilperson on Tuesday evening.

As his first official act, Mayor Rutledge recognized outgoing councilmembers Mike Reed and Danny Cole. Reed reached his term limit of 10 years of service to the community as the councilperson for Place 2, while Cole was fell just short in his bid for re-election to the Place 6 seat.

City Council adjourned into an executive session behind closed doors for approximately 20 minutes to discuss the possibility of filling the vacant Place 1 council seat following Rutledge's successful bid to become Mayor.

A handful of former councimembers were in attendance Tuesday evening, but, following council's reconvening into open session, Roccaforte made the motion to appoint former councilmember Kevin Mott to the Place 1 position. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote.

Mott will serve the remainder of Rutledge's unexpired term as Place 1 councilperson, which is for one year. The seat is up for election in May 2017.

Mott previously served on city council for nine years before reaching his term limit of service, as he was appointed to Roccaforte's unexpired term for one year in 2006 after Roccaforte became Mayor of Bridge City.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to serve the citizens of Bridge City again," Mott said following his appointment. "I look forward to it."