Gavel passed to new mayor

A large crowd filled the Council Chambers to support Oak Harbor’s new and old leaders on Tuesday.

By Luisa Loi • January 5, 2024 1:30 am

A large crowd filled the Council Chambers at the city hall to support Oak Harbor’s new and old leaders on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

This was Ronnie Wright’s first city council meeting, which began with District Court Judge William Hawkins swearing him in as the new mayor of Oak Harbor as the crowd erupted in cheers.

Former Mayor Bob Severns said the last time he saw such big attendance at a council meeting was back when he served as a council member. He recalled an argument about the Second Amendment, where pro-gun community members brought their guns, so he was pleased to see that potential record being broken.

“Got a popular mayor for a change,” he joked, before passing Wright his key to the city and his own engraved gavel.

Later during the meeting, Councilmember Shane Hoffmire congratulated Wright, his former opponent at the election and now teammate. Hoffmire emphasized the importance of teamwork by quoting his favorite movie series, “The Hunger Games.”

“‘If we burn, you burn too.’ In 2024 in Oak Harbor, certainly the opposite is true,” Hoffmire said. “If he succeeds, we all succeed.”

Hawkins also swore in Eric Marshall and Chris Wiegenstein, who respectively sit in the positions 3 and 2 seats of the council. Judge Christon Skinner swore in Tara Hizon, who will continue to serve the city as its mayor pro tempore.

Wright swore in Tony Slowik, who both him and Severns chose to lead the city’s police department. In his speech, Slowik thanked his family, as being the spouse and child of a police officer is very difficult. He also thanked Severns, Wright and his mentors, Kevin Dresker and John Dyer.

As a last good-bye to Severns, the crowd joined Hawkins in singing an alternative version of “50 Ways to Leave your Lover,” renamed “50 Ways to Leave your City” — with an apology to songwriter Paul Simon.

Mayor Ronnie Wright shakes hands with his predecessor, Bob Severns, after receiving the gavel and the key to the city. (Photo by Luisa Loi) Mayor Ronnie Wright shakes hands with his predecessor, Bob Severns, after receiving the gavel and the key to the city. (Photo by Luisa Loi)

Bob Severns and his wife Rhonda sat among the audience. (Photo by Luisa Loi)

Judge William Hawkins surprised Bob Severns, his old friend, with a parody of “50 Ways to Leave your Lover,” renamed “50 Ways to Leave your City.” (Photo by Luisa Loi)