By Jon Chown
Donna Lind
Without any drama, competing nominations or even a discussion Donna Lind was promoted from vice mayor to mayor during the Dec. 17 City Council meeting.
Mayor Derek Timm nominated Lind and she was approved unanimously. Lind then quickly nominated Steve Clark for vice mayor and he was approved unanimously. Council member Krista Jett gave Clark a fist bump after the vote.
In Scotts Valley, the mayor does not have special decision-making authority beyond other council members, but represents the city in ceremonial and official matters. The title generally rotates annually. Timm was first elected to the City Council in 2018 after serving as a Planning Commissioner.
Derek Timm
“It’s been a little surreal. I never thought I would be major of a town, let alone twice,” he said. “And so for me to be here and be able to lead has been just one of the honors of my life.”
Lind said she was very appreciative of the hard work Timm had put in as mayor.
“It’s been a tough couple of years and there’s been a lot of dedication that has made this work far easier than it might have been,” she said. “When I look at some other jurisdictions and the tension, I’m so thankful for Scotts Valley and the relationships we have and the community support that we have.”
Clark also commended Timm.
“Your leadership at this time was really fortuitous for this city and without a doubt, we all benefitted from it,” he said. “Your moment of time was aligned perfectly with where we are at as a city.”