Nadine Woodward joined the Spokane City Council for her first meeting as mayor Monday night.
“Tonight is a unique moment," Woodward said. "No one that I have spoken to has been able to recall a time since moving to the strong mayor form of government that the mayor has joined you here on the dais.
"My presence here with you is my commitment to collaboration. It is a new beginning, a fresh start, and I am confident that the relationship with the administration and the council will be stronger than ever," she said.
Woodward was elected in November to replace David Condon. She sat next to the newly-elected council president, Breean Beggs. He said his favorite memory of serving on the council was working with Condon to create a strategic plan for the city. Then Beggs extended his own olive branch.
“My invitation to all of you and to anyone in the audience and Mayor Woodward is sometime in the next year, not the first few weeks, we’ll let you get your sea legs, let’s revisit that joint strategic plan because together we can Spokane," Beggs said.
During her time sitting with the council, the new mayor read two proclamations. One praised Paul Fish, who is closing his Mountain Gear business after more than 35 years. She also sat for a half hour of the council’s open forum.
The meeting was also the first for new Councilman Michael Cathcart, who replaces Mike Fagan on the council.