Published 07/04/02 in issue #22 of The Hook

BY BILL EMORY

The shake-up in City government has begun. Council's new mayor was chosen Monday, July 1, and the first Republican to win an election in 16 years made his first official appearance that same evening.

Rob Schilling broke a 16-year Republican election drought in May when he snared a seat, along with Democratic incumbent Blake Caravati, on the five-person power team.

Caravati, however, who became the compromise mayoral choice in 2000 (they pick themselves), crushed speculation a few days earlier that he'd seek another two-year term as Mayor, the most bully-pulpitish post available in City government.

That left the door open to architect/planner/professor Cox, who first came to Council in 1996.

Republican Schilling takes the place of Democrat David Toscano who stepped down after 12 years on Council. The other party candidate in the May 7 election was Democrat Alexandria Searls.

Schilling gets dressing help from the wife before his swearing-in by City Hall.

Photo credit Bill Emory

-->>View more photos of Schilling's swearing in here: readthehook.com/stories/2002/06/28/001webbonusswearingTimeSch.html

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