Three weeks into the new term, Mount Pleasant has a new mayor
Bryan Chapman resigns from commission, Boomer Winged ascends to helm
The Mount Pleasant City Commission accepted Bryan Chapman's resignation at their meeting on Jan. 27.
Mayor Boomer Wingard read through Chapman's resignation letter before the commission certified his resignation.
"It is with mixed emotions that I announce my resignation from the City Commission, effective immediately," Chapman wrote in his resignation letter. "Serving this city, a place where I was born and raised, and that I hold so close to my heart has been one of the greatest honors of my life."
Commissioner Maureen Eke was unanimously elected to take over as vice mayor.
“I hope that I can provide the new mayor the kind of support he needs to do the work that he needs,” Eke said. “I think it is making sure that I am present in a way that is productive. We have work to do.”
Following Chapman’s unanticipated resignation on Tuesday, Jan. 21, the newly appointed Wingard is taking the reins.
During a phone interview prior to the Jan. 27 city commissioners meeting, Wingard provided more details regarding Chapman’s resignation.
Wingard said that Chapman notified the city commission of his resignation via text on the 21st, leaving the members “in a lurch.”
Despite the "unexpected" nature of his departure, Wingard openly offered his continued support for Chapman’s future endeavors.
“I fully respect Bryan and his decision,” Wingard said. “He's a great gentleman and I wish him all the best.
"After he came to the conclusion that this was the best decision for himself, he did not notify us of his decision to resign or have to consult with us prior to the decision," Wingard said. "He was worried that if he did, and rightly so, we probably would have talked him into staying.”
For community members concerned with the seemingly hasty nature of Chapman’s resignation, Wingard said that he understands the confusion. Acknowledging the unusual circumstance of appointing a new mayor so soon into the new term, he said that it has been a “trying time” for the city commission.
Though being put on the back burner for the time being, Wingard has plans to make an impact on the youth of Mount Pleasant. He said that he would like to establish a youth commission in which young members of the community can provide feedback on what they would like to see in the future.
“One thing we've seen, especially since COVID, is that public engagements can be difficult to elicit,” Wingard said. “So, making sure people are educated in the community and really like getting that buy-in and working to educate the leaders of tomorrow and everything is a big thing for me.”
As Wingard settles into his new position, he strives to maintain transparency and availability to the citizens of Mount Pleasant.
“My intention is to be as open and available to the public as possible,” Wingard said. “And then with talking about the mayorship, I still remain only one-seventh of a vote.
"We make our decisions collectively, with it requiring a majority to move forward on any issue," he said. "So we will again continue to work collaboratively amongst ourselves to address any issues facing the city, or to make any additional changes into the future.”
Due to Chapman's resignation, a seat on the commission has been opened. The commissioners discussed when and how to fill the vacant position. The city charter indicates that the vacancy must be filled within 30 days from the time of acceptance of the resignation.
Applications for the role will be accepted through Feb. 12. The commission said this will allow them to process applications and have them ready by the meeting on Feb. 24. Community members can apply to be a commissioner through the city website.
The City Commission will hold its next regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 10, in Mount Pleasant City Hall.
