Ariola named Mayor, council members sworn in
Taylor has a new mayor for the first time since 2017.
Dwayne Ariola was elected to the position Tuesday, May 14, in a 3-1 vote, with District 1 Councilman Gerald Anderson absent, during a special called City Council meeting. Ariola has held the at-large seat for seven years.
Outgoing District 2 Councilman Mitch Drummond hugs and congratulates his successor Shelli Cobb while telling her, “now go out there and do a great job.” Photos by Jason Hennington
Kelly Cmerek takes his oath of office as he is sworn-in as the District 3 City Councilman.
New City Councilwoman Shelli Cobb smiles after she is officially sworn-in to represent District 2.
At-large Councilman Dwayne Ariola (left) was elected mayor in a 3-1 vote with District 1 Councilman Gerald Anderson absent. Kelly Cmerek will serve as mayor pro tem.
He directly addressed his father during remarks.
“I’m going to attempt to be half the mayor as [Brandt] Rydell and [Jesse] Ancira and make your Ariola name proud,” he said.
Ariola, along with newly inducted council members Shelli Cobb and Kelly Cmerek, voted in favor of approving the nomination made by Cmerek. District 4 Councilman Robert Garcia was the lone dissenting vote.
The meeting also marked the end of Rydell’s term and District 2 Councilman Mitch Drummond’s term.
“Thank you, gentleman, for putting your name out there and doing what you thought was right,” Ariola said. “We agreed 99% of the time … Brandt and Mitch, I consider you both my friends.”
Cobb nominated Cmerek as mayor pro tem in a motion that passed unanimously.
Residents filled up the Taylor Public Library meeting room Tuesday evening as the new council members were sworn-in. Photos by Jason Hennington
