The mayor’s gavel passed from Dick White to Sweetie Marbury on Tuesday night.

White thanked everyone, including his colleagues, for their dedication to civil discussion. He noted that during his busy year as mayor, no other discussion was tougher than the debate around homelessness. He expects the city will continue to struggle with it, but he hopes the issue can be dealt with humanely.

“I want to thank all the members in the community for your engagement,” he said.

Marbury said she was pleased to be a role model for young girls who may want to enter public service.

“It’s so important for girls to have role models. When we were growing up, that was not always the case,” she said.

She previously served as mayor during 2014 and 2015 and will serve another 12 months in the rotating role. The councilors approve the mayor by a vote, but it’s customary for the seat to be filled by those who earn the most votes in elections.

mshinn@durangoherald.com