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By ADAM RUSSELL
Staff Writer

The current mayor and incoming mayor agree the transition of power will occur seamlessly when the new mayor is sworn in May 21.

Tuesday afternoon, Mayor Joey Seeber and mayor-elect Barbara Bass continued with the transition period by meeting with city manager Bob Turner and city manager designate Mark McDaniel to discuss ongoing city projects.

Seeber said he is relieved to know a capable replacement will fill the mayoral position after his departure, and that

the only difference will be the mayor’s photo on the city Web site.

Ms. Bass won Saturday’s mayoral election by garnering more than 60 percent of the vote based on a platform to bring new quality jobs to Tyler and improve infrastructure and citizen services, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. She said voter turnout told her the community is looking for new ideas about how to bring good jobs to the city.

Ms. Bass nixed any notion that she and the City Council may be at odds due to five of six members’ endorsement of an opposing candidate during the election calling it “part of the political process.”

“We all agree that what’s best for the city is our main focus,” she said. “Tyler is a town that never wanted to be second best and we are going to focus on continuing the successes of the past 12 years.”

Ms. Bass said the blueprint for responsibility, effectiveness and efficiency in city government was established by preceding mayors Kevin Eltife and Seeber, and the city councils during their administrations. She said everyone on the council has the common goal of improving the city’s place in the region and state. Bass did not give specifics concerning plans to improve the city’s stake in bringing major employers to Tyler, but said focusing on the “Tyler 21” plan will continue to be the priority of the mayor’s office.

“The Tyler 21 plan is imperative for the council to see what we can do in the immediate, intermediate and long-term,” Ms. Bass said. “It’s a document with ideas and goals for Tyler’s future and really is Joey’s legacy.”

Seeber said he has been in contact with Ms. Bass several times in the past few days as part of a mutual attempt to prepare her for office. He said he would be available to Ms. Bass on an as-needed basis while the transition continues. Ms. Bass has been tremendously supportive of the direction the city has been moving, Seeber said, and he is confident in her ability to maintain the city’s course.

When asked what advice he might give the mayor-elect, Seeber said Ms. Bass didn’t need any. He said she is genuinely interested in hearing the opinions expressed among council members and said the biggest challenge she will face is managing her time. Seeber said it was a privilege to serve as mayor and that he looks forward to Ms. Bass continuing to make Tyler “open for business.”