Aug 10, 2015 4 min read

Washington Mayor Brenda Davis offered advice to her probable successor Thursday:

“Be prepared. They constantly stepped on my toes since I’ve been here,” she said of her male colleagues during a City Council meeting. “You need to keep a close watch.”

Davis made the statement during discussion of rescinding her appointment to the Washington County Transportation Authority Board. Soon after, the motion was passed to recommend Councilman Ken Westcott and Councilman Joe Manning as the city’s representatives, with Davis and Councilwoman Tracie Graham voting against.

“All of the sudden, you think you’re the mayor,” Davis said to Manning. “You want to take away the responsibility of the mayor. You think you’re entitled to that position.”

Effective July 1, the unification of City Transit and Washington County Transportation Authority is intended to save money and streamline services. On Aug. 15, both entities will begin the move to a new transit center at 50 E. Chestnut St.

In the merger, the number of authority board members was reduced from nine to seven. Two city representatives will join five previously selected members, who were appointed by the county commissioners and will finish out their staggered terms.

In July, City Council unanimously voted to recommend Davis and Westcott as their representatives.

During Thursday’s meeting, though, Davis was replaced by Manning.

“Why not let me do my job for five months?” Davis asked.

Davis said she has been instrumental in finalizing the merger and wants to continue to work with the board. She said that the role of mayor provides for her to head the transportation department, of which she has been a part of the day-to-day operations since taking office.

Manning felt Davis should not be recommended because her term as mayor ends this year.

Scott Putnam defeated Davis in the Democratic primary and received the Republican write-in nomination, practically securing him the job next year.

Davis made note of the fact that Westcott is not guaranteed a place on council after this year, as his term also is up. Westcott will be one of four candidates on the ballot in November for two open council seats.

“He may not be here,” Davis said of Westcott.

“You definitely won’t be here,” replied Manning.

Sheila Gombita, executive director of the Washington County Transportation Authority, said Friday there is no rule precluding Davis from serving on the board. She said that, had Davis been appointed, she would serve through the term unless she resigned before that time. One city representative term expires May 31, 2016, and the other, May 31, 2017.

“When I was elected, I picked up where the former mayor left off. I took over just as I was supposed to,” Davis said Friday. “The same thing would occur with me. I will be the mayor and finish out my term. When I’m done, I’m done.”

Manning maintains the board positions should be given to city officials who will be in office next year. He said he would be willing to resign the post once the new mayor takes office.

“I interpreted the bylaws as whoever was appointed would serve through those terms. That’s why I felt it should be somebody in office. I’m here for two more years, at least,” Manning said. “For now, the vote stands.”

Gombita expects the county commissioners to vote on the city’s recommendation during their Thursday meeting.

Davis said city representatives are charged with ensuring residents continue to receive needed services and protecting the $85,000 city contribution, as well as future contributions.

“It’s going to be up to Ken Westcott and Joe Manning to represent the city,” Davis said. “I hope they can handle the responsibility.”