New Wellsville mayor: Village business still comes first
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WELLSVILLE -- The fact that Nancy Murray left him some big shoes to fill isn't lost on Randy Allmon.
However, he is more than ready to embrace the challenge, and Murray would expect nothing less.
It has been almost a week since Murray, who passed away midway through her second term as the village mayor, was laid to rest in her beloved Wellsville.
Allmon explained, "It has been a whirlwind. I served on council with Nancy. It has been hard."
Losing her has been the hardest part, but Allmon believes that Murray had found a successful formula. "We will continue to do what she was doing, and I am confident that my good working relationship with council will continue with this change."
Murray, he explained, had a way of dealing with people, and that worked with the village of Wellsville. He admits that he really had no recent aspirations for being mayor but had considered it 10 years ago.
Throughout his first meeting as mayor, it took him some getting used to when Fiscal Officer Hoi Wah didn't call his name to register his vote during roll call.
In 2021, Allmon believes he is ready to step up. "I have worked with five mayors, (while serving on council). Each one was completely different, and you take a little bit from each one."
He spoke highly of all the employees, especially village administrator Jarrod Grimm and Wah, for being supportive, as the village adjusts.
"Nancy had this running like a well-oiled machine, and my plan is to continue and finish her projects. The main thing is to keep this council together to get the job done," he added. "Everyone cares. I was born and raised here and am a Wellsville Tiger through and through."
Allmon and his wife Diana have four children.
During Tuesday's regular meeting, council members announced that they will accepting resumes and interview candidates to fill the remaining four months of Allmon's council term, which comes up for election in November. Allmon asked that those be submitted to the Wellsville mayor's office for consideration before their next meeting, which is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 20 at village hall.
The Republicans named their council candidate, Maia Amato, to replace Allmon on the ballot.
So far, two candidates have registered their intention to run for mayor, Allmon for the Republicans and independent Bradley Elliott. The Democrats will be meeting at 7 p.m. July 27 to decide on their Wellsville mayor nominee as Murray was a Democrat.
In other action, council passed a resolution authorizing the acceptance of the American Rescue Plan moneys and establishing a fund. Their first $173,000 came in and their other $173,000 is expected to come in a second installment.
The property and finance committees also announced that they will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, July 19.