East Texas

By COSHANDRA DILLARD
Staff Writer

MINEOLA -- Upon the resignation of former Mineola Mayor N.R. "Pete" Smith, City Council members voted to appoint president pro tem E.F. "Bo" Whitus as its mayor to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.

Smith submitted a letter of resignation, which was read by city administrator David Stevenson, during a regular meeting last week. Smith's term ended at 8 a.m. Aug. 26, Stevenson said.

Stevenson said the resignation did not come as a surprise to council members, stating that Smith had notified the council of his plans to move to Georgetown, Texas, in early spring.

Smith had moved to his new home after the council completed a series of budget workshops. Smith served as a City Council member before he was elected mayor in 2005. He was re-elected in 2007.

The council could have either held a special election, or appointed someone in the vacant positions, and they chose to do the latter late last week.

Whitus moved into his new role as mayor quickly. He was sworn in at 5:30 p.m. Friday and by 8:30 p.m., was corresponding with state officials to accommodate about 120 evacuees from the Beaumont and eastern New Orleans area.

He said he is uncertain right now whether he would seek election in May 2009, when the term expires.

Councilwoman Novada Bigham will now serve as the president pro tem and council voted to appoint Mineola native and retired Realtor Patricia Wood as the newest council member.

"I have gone to all of the city council meetings as a spectator, so they knew I was interested in city politics," Ms. Wood said.

"They asked me if I would be willing to hold the position until the May election. I am really happy that they felt confident that I could do this job."

Ms. Wood serves on the board of directors for the Mineola Chamber of Commerce, City Cemetery Board and the Lake Country Playhouse.

Ms. Wood also said she was unsure if she would seek election of the expired term next year.