Montrose, CO — The City of Montrose has a new mayor as Councilor Barbara Bynum was elevated from mayor pro tem during the City Council’s regular meeting Tuesday. Bynum was chosen by fellow city councilors to succeed Dave Bowman for the 2020-2021 mayoral term. Councilor Doug Glaspell was selected by the council to become the new mayor pro tem.
The annual mayor selection took place Tuesday evening during the council’s regular meeting held online due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The term of mayor is 12 months.
““As the new Mayor, I’m excited to continue working on the issues that are important to our community including infrastructure improvements, public safety, and economic vitality,” Bynum said. “I know the people of Montrose are resilient and care deeply about one another, and together we will build on a solid foundation to move our community forward during this time."
Although city councilors are elected by the public to fill four district seats and an at-large seat, the mayor and mayor pro tem are selected by the council as defined by the City Charter as a home rule municipality under the Colorado Constitution.
Bynum was first appointed to the council in 2017 to fill a council vacancy before running for a two-year term in the council’s at-large seat in 2018. Bynum was reelected to the at-large seat in the April 7, 2020, municipal election.
Bynum thanked Bowman for his work as mayor over the past 12 months, mentioning his leadership on many civic issues.
The city’s outgoing mayor is normally given a plaque recognizing their service, however, due to COVID-19, this presentation was held online. Bowman will receive his plaque during a formal presentation at a later date.
Councilor Dave Frank was officially sworn in following his April 7 election to the council’s District 4 seat. Frank begins a four-year term replacing Councilor Judy Ann Files who served two consecutive terms on council including two one-year terms as mayor.
City Manager Bill Bell welcomed the new council stating he was grateful to work alongside them as they make policy and shape the future of Montrose.
Councilor Doug Glaspell, elected in 2018, is serving a four-year term that ends in 2022.
For more city news visit: CityofMontrose.org.