Harvey reaches stalemate in process to appoint new mayor

The south suburb of Harvey suddenly is facing a major leadership decision after last week’s unexpected death of Mayor Christopher Clark.

A special meeting was held on Monday night to select a new acting mayor, who would be in office through April of next year. However, members hit an impasse during voting.

The city council chambers were packed ahead of the meeting as Clark was remembered with a moment of silence.

In the end, the meeting finished without completing its purpose.

After two tie votes, including on that of mayor pro temp, Shirley Drewinski, no new acting mayor was named.

“We have six aldermen, so we need four in favor of a candidate,” said Keri-Lynn J. Krafthefer, the city attorney. “Ald. Drewinski will continue as pro temp until … someone is elected acting mayor.”

The city attorney also noted that because the mayor passed away within 28 months of the next election, the appointment will carry through April 2027.

Drewinski will remain in the position for now.

“Most importantly, your city services are not stopping,” she said to residents.

Harvey is defined as a ‘financially distressed city” and experienced budget issues in recent months, when furloughs affected its fire department. More than 40% of city staff felt the pinch amid a budget crisis that Clark said put them tens of millions in debt.

“I think it’s coming, you have to get past the issues,” said Ald. Tyrone Rogers of the 6th Ward. “Most council members aren’t thinking straight because they’re still grieving.

Clark missed the most recent city council meeting.

Some friends said he may have been ill at that time, but few suspected anything serious. His cause of death has not been released.

“The pressure of being the mayor of this city is great,” said Leandre Lightfoot of the Harvey Pastoral Association. “We’re praying for the next person who takes on this role.”

It’s unclear when the council will hold a second special meeting for another vote.