Politics

Stephens elected mayor pro tem

Mayor Barbara Volk takes the oath as her husband, Dr. Jim Volk, holds a Bible.

By Bill Moss, Published: December 5, 2013

Mayor Barbara Volk took the oath of office for a second four-year term and newly elected council member Jeff Miller and re-elected member Jerry Smith were seated during the organizational meeting of the Hendersonville City Council on Thursday night.

The council unanimously elected Ron Stephens as mayor pro tem. Stephens, who unsuccessfully challenged Volk in the November election, remains on the council for two more years before his current term expires.
District Court Judge Emily Cowan administered the oath to Volk. State Sen. Tom Apodaca administered the oath to Miller and Volk swore in Smith.

Although Stephens lost a mayoral election for a second time, he may from time to time get to perform mayoral duties. As mayor pro tem, he will substitute for the mayor at ceremonial events she is unable to attend and will preside at council meetings if she is absent.