TDH: 6/27/11

Kathie Tovo will hit the ground running: A work session Wednesday takes up the Richard Suttle double-header of Formula One and a potential $4 million fee waiver deal with White Lodging to build a convention center hotel Downtown. But she has to be sworn in first, and that’s taking place tomorrow at City Hall.

The following press release from the city has all the deets:

The inauguration of the newly elected City Council Members is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, in Council Chambers at Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St.

The inauguration ceremony will be open to the public. Seating will be limited in Council Chambers and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those parking at City Hall for the inauguration will receive complimentary parking by validating their parking ticket at the event.

During the inauguration, incumbent Council Members Chris Riley and Laura Morrison will be officially sworn in to begin serving their second terms in Council Place 1 and Place 4, respectively. First-time Council Member Kathie Tovo will also be sworn in to serve in Place 3.

The Honorable John Dietz of the 240th Judicial District Civil Court will administer the oath of office to the Council Members-elect.

Of course, all the palace intrigue is centered on whether Sheryl Cole, who took her seat the same time as Mike Martinez, will make a play for Martinez’s Mayor Pro Tem title – a largely honorary distinction that nonetheless bestows an extra smidge of officiousness (mainly conducting meetings in the mayor’s absence). Of course, some might say the best way to be recognized as council’s elder statesman is to act as council’s elder statesman –  not to beef over a ceremonial title and possibly create a power-vacuum an equally ambitious politician could fill his or her-self.

On a completely unrelated note, Laura Morrison sends the following note to her campaign supporters, announcing an afterparty for the new-look council:

Following the reception at City Hall, Council Member Riley, Council Member-Elect Tovo and I will be hosting an Inaugural After-Party at Antone’s (5th & Lavaca). I hope you will consider joining this celebration which will include live music featuring The Dunwell Brothers and Antone’s Blue Tuesday Band with Derek O’Brien and Malford Milligan. If you arrive before 8:00, there will be no cover charge.

Members better party responsibly so they’ll be ready for their 10am special called meeting Wednesday – assuming this new council feels like celebrating together in the first place.

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