Politics & Government

"Does That Mean You Get Three Votes?"

Aldermen exchange quips as third-in-line successor fills in as mayor.

Let's face it: Government meetings can be dry, tedious affairs.

When a little humor is added, it's a nice change of pace.

The excused absence of Mayor Steve Ponto and Common Council President Mark Nelson at Tuesday's council meeting sent officials scrambling to the rule book to see who was supposed to preside over the meeting.

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The answer: the chairman of the city's Finance Committee, which happens to be Fifth District Ald. Scott Berg.

Settling into the mayor's center chair, Berg said he was simultaneously serving in three roles: as Fifth District alderman, acting Common Council president and acting mayor.Β 

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"Does that mean you get three votes?" joked fellow Fifth District Ald. Gary Mahkorn.

Nope, said Berg. Just one. As alderman.

Most votes during the 25-minute meeting were voice votes. But one required Berg to walk to his regular spot to push a yes or no button on an electronic voting device.

"Want me to vote for you?" Mahkorn quipped.

"Not tonight, Gary," Berg said.


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