MARQUETTE — After two commissioners are sworn in by the city clerk, the Marquette City Commission will elect a mayor and mayor pro tem at its organizational meeting.

City Clerk Kris Hazeres will administer the oath of office tonight to new commissioner Jenn Hill and incumbent Jenna Smith, the top vote-getters of the Nov. 6 non-partisan city-wide election. The terms of Smith and Commissioner Mike Plourde expired this month.

Smith initially filled the seat left vacant by state Rep. Sara Cambensy after she was elected to serve the remainder of the late John Kivela’s term as the 109th house representative.

According to the Marquette City Charter, the first city commission meeting following a regular city election is to be called to order by the city clerk or city clerk’s designee.

The clerk or designee then administers the oath of office to newly elected members of the city commission. The city commission is then responsible for electing one of its members to serve as mayor and one to serve as mayor pro tem, both for a term expiring at the first city commission meeting following the next regular city election.

Selections are made by majority vote of the members of the city commission. Currently, Dave Campana serves as the city’s mayor and Fred Stonehouse as mayor pro tem.

As the presiding officer of the city commission, the mayor will head all meetings and vote alongside commissioners, but do not have the power to veto a vote.

In the absence or disability of the mayor, the mayor pro tem shall perform the duties of mayor. In the absence or disability of both the mayor and mayor pro tem, the city commission may designate another of its members to serve as acting mayor during such absence or disability.

The non-partisan seven-member commission acts as the legislative branch of city government. Commissioners serve three-year terms and may not serve more than two consecutive terms.

The duties of the commission are to represent the citizens of Marquette, establish policies and approve the budget. The commission also has the power to hire a city manager and city attorney, and to appoint citizens to serve on numerous advisory boards and commissions.

The commission meeting will be held at 7 tonight in the commission chambers at city hall, 300 W. Baraga Ave.

Jaymie Depew can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206.