During Monday’s commission meeting, commissioners appointed Vice Mayor Rich O’Brien to serve as mayor for two terms.
O’Brien, who was elected as mayor in 2007 and 2012, was nominated Monday by incumbent Mayor Andrea Samuels.
He won 3-2 against Commissioner Undine George, who nominated herself after the public voiced their support.
Five people addressed the commission, saying George should be appointed mayor.
George is the only commissioner to have not been mayor, and there was agreement that it was her turn to have the title.
“Undine is my wife, but she is more than qualified,” said Ed George, her husband and former mayor. “(She) has been nothing but positive and is the voice of reason on contentious issues.”
Beach resident Ann Palmquist added: “She brings a different point of view.”
George acknowledged the group’s support and said she would make being mayor a top priority for the residents.
“I’m honored by the support, and I’m not usually self-serving or self-driven, but I’ve been hearing a lot of requests, so I’m nominating myself,” she said.
Later in the meeting, she accepted a nomination by Samuels to serve as vice mayor. The commission unanimously voted in favor of her.