Valley mayor’s term extended

Diana Wilhite will remain the mayor of Spokane Valley for two more years while Councilman Steve Taylor takes over the deputy mayor post formerly held by Councilman Rich Munson.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the City Council granted Wilhite the largely ceremonial title she has held since 2004 when then-mayor Mike DeVleming relinquished the position.

While the mayor was reinstated unanimously by the council, Taylor won the bid for deputy mayor after an anonymous 4-to-3 vote by paper ballot.

“Deputy Mayor Munson did a wonderful job last year, and I look forward to serving in any capacity I can,” Taylor said.

Under Spokane Valley’s council/manager form of government, the mayor is the ceremonial head of the city, representing it at public events and other functions.

She also presides over council meetings but does not handle the day-to-day management of city business.

“I think she has grown very much in that capacity,” said Councilman Dick Denenny after nominating Wilhite for the post. There were no other nominations for mayor.

The deputy mayor fills in for the mayor in her absence. Both positions are up for election every two years.

The mayoral position pays a $500 monthly stipend. The deputy mayor and the rest of the council receive a $400 monthly stipend.