November 12, 2024 - At last week’s Jasper City Council meeting, Dr. Gary Cowen was announced as the 19th mayor of the City of Jasper. He was sworn in as mayor in a private ceremony on October 28, 2024. Mayor Cowen, previously serving as President Pro Tempore, was legally in position to take over mayoral duties in the absence of Mayor David P. O’Mary. Mayor Cowen stated he intends on moving forward with Mayor O’Mary’s vision to do “what’s best for Jasper” and continue his legacy.
The council later appointed Josh Gates, by unanimous vote, to fill the unexpired term for the District Three Council seat vacated by Mayor Cowen. Jasper Municipal Judge Jim Brakefield administered the Oath of Office to Josh Gates after which Councilmember Gates continued the rest of the meeting from his seat on the council bench. Welcome, Councilmember Gates!
The council also rotated the role of Presiding Officer, unanimously appointing Councilmember Willie Moore, III to serve as Presiding Officer. Councilmember Moore will preside over the council meetings for the next year.
Finally, the council unanimously appointed District One Councilmember Jenny Brown Short to the position of President Pro Tempore as vacated by Mayor Cowen.
We continue to wish city leadership success in their service to the City of Jasper!
