BEND, OR -- Bend’s first directly-elected Mayor in 90 years gaveled in the first City Council meeting of 2019, Wednesday night, amid cheers. Municipal Judge Gwen Moore administering the oath of office to new Councilor Gena Goodman Campbell, re-elected Councilor Barb Campbell and Mayor Sally Russell. Each then gave a short speech thanking supporters and voters.

Mayor Russell singled out her daughters, both now in college, saying they were her inspiration, "I think, and I hope that you’ll come to back to Bend and enjoy this city as we have enjoyed it, and that was one of my major drivers for really deciding to throw my hat in the ring to be Mayor and work for another four years for this community." She added, "For everyone who stepped up, especially to vote, because it’s your vote that brings people to this dais who really begin to make policy decisions for our community. So, thank you to you. I am in for the distance in this job; this is a job I consider really important for community and I am ready to work for all of you." 

And, Russell wasted no time recognizing the historic nature of her position, "The last elected Mayor served between 1923 and 1928, so it’s been a while since we actually had an elected Mayor. But, that’s what people elected to do in May of this year [2018], and that’s why you’re now sitting here with an elected Mayor."

Councilors are now accepting applications to fill the vacant seat left by Russell’s shift to Mayor.