Letter: Smith asks to be re-appointed as mayor pro tem

Editor’s note: Oak Ridge Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Smith has asked to be appointed to a second two-year term during a Monday, Dec. 12, meeting of the Oak Ridge City Council. Here is a copy of a Dec. 6 letter she wrote to other city leaders.

Dear Fellow City Leaders:

I am writing to request your support and your votes for my candidacy to serve as mayor pro tem for a second two-year term.

The role of the mayor pro tem is to fill in for the mayor when the mayor is not available—particularly to chair meetings of City Council and serve as the “face” or ambassador of the city’s elected leadership when the mayor is unable to do so.

I have endeavored over the past two years to conduct city business in an efficient and respectful manner and to present a positive image for Council and the community, both locally and when representing Oak Ridge outside our city’s borders.

I think it is important that people perceive that individuals in positions such as mayor and mayor pro tem are representatives of the city leadership and not also of business entities with special interests, and I believe I have been able to convey the appropriate perception. I would be happy to have the opportunity to continue in this role, with your support.

I look forward to working with all of you as colleagues over the next two years. As I see it, the seven members of the Oak Ridge City Council are community leaders who share collective responsibility for setting the direction of our city, and we have a fine set of leaders for this upcoming term.

Positive things are happening in Oak Ridge—and I expect that the decisions we make over the next two years in response to the challenges and opportunities we face will have a major positive impact on the shape of this community for years to come.

Thank you for your consideration.

Ellen Smith

Oak Ridge Mayor Pro Tem

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