Broken Arrow City Councilors Debra Wimpee and Christi Gillespie were elected mayor and vice mayor, respectively, at the council's Tuesday meeting, the first time in city history the positions will both be held by women.
Wimpee, an incumbent who held off multiple challengers to retain her council seat earlier this month, was nominated for the position by Gillespie. (In Broken Arrow's council-manager form of government, mayor and vice mayor are chosen by a vote of the council from among the five elected city councilors.)
Each vote was unanimous.
"You know, mayors don't cry," longtime Councilor Johnnie Parks told Wimpee, who teared up shortly after the vote on her nomination.
"I know!" Wimpee said. "Allow the first meeting."
"CONGRATULATIONS MAYOR Debra Wimpee!" Gillespie said in a statement posted to Facebook. "I cannot put into words the excitement I have that you are my Mayor! I’ve got your back & I believe in you! I am honored to serve as your Vice Mayor!!"
Among the first agenda items presided over by Mayor Wimpee were a repeal of a recently passed resolution that encouraged Broken Arrow's citizens and visitors to wear masks to slow the spread of COVID-19, which passed 4-1 with only Parks opposed, as well as a modification to public comment procedure that no longer requires those speaking at council meetings to state their address.
Wimpee and Gillespie were the most ardent opponents of the now-repealed resolution encouraging masks, with Gillespie stating at the time of its passage that she would make a point to tell residents she did not encourage mask wearing. During council meetings last year, Wimpee spread COVID-19 misinformation and said that people with comorbidities should "stay inside."
Tuesday's meeting also featured the swearing-in of newly elected Councilor Lisa Ford, a former Broken Arrow Police Department community liaison who defeated longtime incumbent Councilor and Mayor Craig Thurmond in the election earlier this month. According to a statement from the city, this is the first time women make up a majority of the council.
