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City Council revived a ceremonial role last week to promote mentorship and leadership development within its ranks.
Councilwoman Ya-Lecia Love was unanimously appointed as Elgin’s deputy mayor pro tem during the council’s July 1 meeting. The position, last held in 2007, was reinstated at the request of Mayor Theresa McShan, who said the move is part of a broader plan to prepare future council leaders and establish a succession path for the mayor pro tem seat.
“As we’ve talked before, we need to begin a succession plan of bringing up our own,” McShan said. “Council Member Love had always announced her wanting to become mayor pro tem and wanting to get that spot. I think it’s only befitting that we start training her.”
Love will serve alongside Mayor Pro Tem Sue Brashar, who was reappointed to that position June 3 following a nomination process that emphasized experience and stability. Brashar has served on the council for 11 years.
McShan said Love will receive support and guidance from both her and Brashar.
“We’ll start working with her so that she’ll know,” the mayor said. “And then that’s just another backup for us when we’re not around.”
The vote to affirm Love’s appointment was unanimous.
According to the city charter, the council is required to name a mayor pro tem after each election. The deputy position is not charter mandated.
“Back in ’06 or ’07 when I was on the council, I was the deputy mayor pro tem, and that worked out real well — I got a chance to learn and do,” McShan said when the idea was first voiced.
