Kirkland closes out time as acting mayor

BASTROP — Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland presided over his final meeting as acting mayor June 10, marking the end of a five-month interim term before newly elected Mayor Ishmael Harris takes office.

“I’ve been to so many ribbon cuttings I started wondering whether I need to start carrying my own ceremonial scissors,” Kirkland said. “I believe I’ve attended enough groundbreakings I have officially earned my free bagel on the groundbreaking punch card.” 

Harris will take over officiating duties at the June 24 council meeting and is scheduled to join council members for a retreat June 27–28. The retreat will include team-building exercises and a personality assessment to help staff better collaborate, according to the council.

“These last five months have been truly meaningful in my life. I’ve been honored to lead at a time when Bastrop needed a steady hand and steady heart,” Kirkland added.