East Texas

By LAUREN GROVER
Staff Writer

LINDALE — City officials said Tuesday the transition has been somber but smooth as city hall picks up this week following the sudden death of Mayor Rev. James Ballard.

Ballard, 67, died Saturday in a Tyler hospital from symptoms related to congestive heart failure.

“We have a great team in place and I just don’t see any transitional issues at all,” said Mayor Pro Tem Jim Mallory. “We-’re in a growth situation and our entire city staff is tuned into that now.”

City Council members could appoint a new mayor, move Mallory up and appoint a new mayor pro tem, or leave things as they are at their upcoming meeting Tuesday night.

“There are several options for the council,” said Owen Scott, city administrator.

Mallory said if the council chooses him for mayor he “would be honored” to take the position.

City Hall is adjusting to the news that caught everyone off-guard, Scott said. “Last Tuesday, James was alert and talking about the future,” Mallory said. “There was no hint. He’s gone into the hospital and stayed a couple of days before, and we really thought that was going to happen.”

Ballard was elected in 2006 and ran unopposed again in March for a second term.

A longtime chaplain for local police, he was known as a kind peacemaker. “He was a minister as our mayor,” Mallory said. “Very calm, thoughtful — it was such a privilege to work with him.”

Scott agreed.

“He led by example,” he said. “If something needed a soothing hand, or a calm spirit, he was Johnny on the spot, and arose, able to calm the storm.”

During his time in office, Ballard encouraged a tight-knit council with strong communication, Mallory said.

“Every item we work on there is a great deal of communication and cooperation,” he said. Ballard came into office during a “turbulent time” and helped re-group city hall to focus on Lindale’s growth. “It was sudden,” Scott said. “But you just do what you have to do to keep going. We have some very capable people here.”

MALLORY
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