ALTUS - In a surprise move, the city council appointed ousted Ward 2 Councilwoman Patricia Blackman to fill her former seat during the March 1 meeting.
Blackman had been removed from office in February because she had excessive absences from scheduled meetings. Blackman had missed four of six meetings in the four-month period prior to the Feb. 1 meeting. The city charter specifies if elected officials miss more than 50% of meetings in a four-month period they can no longer serve on the council.
Blackman’s unexpected appointment was approved by a 5-3 vote. Mayor Robert Garrison and council members John Womack and Doyle Jencks voted against Blackman’s appointment. Meanwhile, council members Matt Rester, Roberta Brady-Lee, Terrence Filer, Ronald Osterhout and Dillon Feazel supported Blackman’s appointment.
Another Altus resident, attorney Cole McMahan, was considered for the council seat but no vote was taken on his nomination since Blackman’s name was brought up first. McMahan is the grandson of Edythe Joy “Boozie” McMahan, considered by some Altus residents as one of the most influential mayors ever to hold the position.
City Manager Gary Jones declined to comment on Blackman’s appointment since the council was responsible for the decision. If an appointment had not been made, the council would have had 90 days to call and hold a special election.
Blackman could not be reached for comment.
Garrison said the council will have to repeat the removal process if Blackman misses too many meetings again.
“We’re hoping she is able to attend,” he said.
The city council had 60 days from the Feb. 1 meeting to appoint a replacement for Blackman, who reportedly missed the meetings because of health issues. Blackman’s term expires in April 2023. She is in her first term as a council member.