Muzzin, Cooper Elected Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem of City of Brighton

Monday night brought with it a change in the leadership of the Brighton City Council.

During a special meeting, Jim Muzzin was elected mayor in a 5-2 vote. Former mayor, Ricci Bandkau received the other two votes.

Chad Cooper was elected mayor pro-tem, beating Jim Bohn in a 4-3 vote.

Brighton residents and registered voters elect city council members in bi-annual, odd-year elections. Those city council members then elect from its members a mayor and mayor pro-tem, who both serve two-year terms.

A council member must nominate a mayoral and mayor pro-tem candidate, then the council votes. The candidate with the most votes becomes the next mayor and mayor pro-tem.

Muzzin said he had talked to a few of his fellow council members and expressed interest in becoming Brighton's next mayor, but he was surprised to be chosen.

"I don't plan on doing anything different," Muzzin said. "This is a ceremonial position. I'm looking forward to just leading the council in the direction its been going. I'm honored by the support I received from my fellow city council members. And I plan on changing nothing. The city runs itself with the staff we have."