Danny Robinson was sworn in as the new Mayor of Tama by the city clerk directly after being appointed. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL MAYOR OF WHOVILLE DAVIS

There was a large crowd at this week’s Tama City Council, and for good reason: there was a new mayor in town. Only two letters were received from those who wanted to be mayor, one from local John Anderson and one from current Tama Council member Danny Robinson. It was motioned, seconded, and then approved. Danny Robinson swiftly became the new mayor of the city of Tama.

On the spot, Robinson was sworn in, making him Mayor Robinson.

“Why do I want to be mayor? See a need, fill a need! The opportunity came along with unfortunate circumstances. I had asked one simple question: Why not? This is a strong, exciting community, a community that holds a lot of pride, which is one of the reasons I moved here long ago and wanted to start a family. To become mayor is a great honor,” Robinson said.

Robinson has served on the council for the last two years, and working for the people has always been his priority, whether councilman or mayor.

“I believe becoming mayor is an extra bonus; being able to serve the incredible citizens of this community was the long-term plan, whichever path it took, I was willing to follow and put my best foot forward,” he said.

Tama EMS Assistant Director Duane Backen spoke with the council about the future of transfers and advocated for AEMT Ruth Hildahl to become the interim EMS Administrator. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL MAYOR OF WHOVILLE DAVIS

With the last two mayors resigning and multiple controversial problems facing the city, Mayor Robinson has his work cut out for him.

“There are many discussions on the topic; however, at the end of the day, unity is what makes this community grow, division is what makes it fall,” he said.

The council approved publishing to appoint a council member in the new vacancy.

The other big topic at this meeting revolved around EMS. The council approved accepting EMS Administrator Jimmy Hicklin’s resignation. Hicklin’s resignation read, “This decision has not been made lightly. However, it has become increasingly clear that there is a fundamental misalignment between my professional values and the priorities currently guiding the decisions within the city’s leadership. I firmly believe the emergency services exist to serve and protect our community without hesitation or compromise. I am deeply concerned by what I perceive as an emphasis on a financial limitation when decisions directly impact on the value of human life and the level of care and protection our residents deserve and receive. Throughout my tenure, I have remained committed to advocating for the highest standards of patient care, operational readiness, and community protection. Leadership in public safety must reflect an unwavering commitment to those principles. Given the current direction, I believe stepping aside is the most appropriate course of action.”

The council also accepted the resignation of Advanced EMT Chris Harris and discussed the future of the ambulance transfers program but ultimately tabled the topic.

When it came to filling the open positions, Duane Backen, Tama EMS Assistant Director, read a letter advocating for Ruth Hildal to serve as interim administrator, taking Hicklin’s position. Hildal has worked for Tama EMS for nearly 20 years, originally starting when she was a waitress at the late King Tower Cafe. In her time, Hildal has learned the ins and outs of Tama EMS, as well as earning herself an associate’s degree in paramedicine.

The council decided to set a work session for Wednesday, April 15, to further discuss the possibility of an interim administrator and the expectations the position would carry.

The meeting started out with Jake Buchanan from Tama County Economic Development talking about a downtown assessment. Two separate resolutions to close 3rd Street for the Lincoln Highway Days for the Tama Eagles were approved.

A representative for Snyder gave an update on the water plant. It was discussed that the dirt and gravel work for the pool parking lot repairs has been finished. The estimate for the rest of the work from JRF was approved.

The council approved the Fire Department to use the old paper mill property for lawn mower and tractor pulls. Brush clean-up was approved for April 27.

The council approved Lynch Dallas Legal as the new City Attorney.