Gavel passes to Woodward’s third mayor in a month

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Todd Folkerts, left, became Woodward's third mayor in four weeks Monday night when he received the gavel from Woodward Mayor Pro Tem Dave Luke, who filled the role between the resignation of former Woodward Mayor Brian Devick and the appointment of Folkerts to complete Devick's term.

New Woodward Mayor Todd Folkerts, left, chats with former Woodward City Council member Craig DeHoet after the Monday night meeting at which the council appointed Folkerts to the mayor’s position.

Todd Folkerts became Woodward’s third mayor in four weeks Monday night when he received the gavel from Woodward Mayor Pro Tem Dave Luke, who filled the mayoral role since the Sept. 10 resignation of former Woodward Mayor Brian Devick.

Devick stepped down for reasons of health at the emotionally charged September meeting.

The October meeting also received an emotional charge when the city’s emergency sirens were triggered about 7 p.m., signalling a tornado warning, and the council and all in attendance sought shelter until resuming at 7:30 p.m.

In a unanimous vote, the Woodward City Council appointed Folkerts, who was serving his first term on the council. His appointment opens a vacancy on the council, and the council also agreed Monday to appoint a new council member at its Nov. 13 meeting.

As with the mayoral vacancy, the city will now publicize the upcoming council appointment in order to give Woodward residents an opportunity to offer nominations for the office. Former Woodward City Council member Craig DeHoet, who attended Monday’s meeting, indicated he would seek the appointment to the council.

If there is opposition to a council appointment, a petition signed by 20 residents of Woodward and presented to the Dallas County Auditor within 14 days of the appointment will cause a special election to be held, according to Lance Kramer, senior election clerk in the Dallas County Auditor’s office.

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