The death of longtime Oak Park Heights Mayor Mary McComber last month left an opening on the city council and necessitated a change in leadership.
Former Deputy Mayor Chuck Dougherty is now mayor, and council member Mike Runk has been appointed deputy mayor.
Oak Park Heights Deputy Mayor Chuck Dougherty, left, is now mayor following the May 26 death of longtime Mayor Mary McComber, right. Mike Runk has been appointed deputy mayor. (Courtesy photos)
The council is accepting applications from candidates interested in filling the vacant city council seat. The deadline for applying is July 3; applications can be found on the city’s website or at City Hall.
The appointed council member will serve until a special election in November 2026; Dougherty will serve as mayor until a special election at the same time.
Both special elections would be for a two-year term to finish McComber’s and Dougherty’s remaining terms, said City Administrator Jacob Rife.
Dougherty has served on the council since 2013. Prior to that, he served on both the parks commission and the planning commission.
“I am honored and grateful for the trust the Oak Park Heights City Council has placed in me by appointing me as mayor of our city,” Dougherty said. “Mayor McComber left some big shoes to fill, but in this time of transition, I am committed to providing steady leadership and ensuring continuity for our community.”
McComber, 71, died May 26 at her home in Oak Park Heights of complications related to Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. She served for 12 years on the Oak Park Heights City Council before running for mayor in 2012.
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