John Barnes appointed as West U's mayor pro tem

Council member John Barnes was unanimously elected by West University Place City Council as mayor pro tem for the 2025-27 term during a June 9 meeting.

“I’m honored and look forward to working with everyone on council,” Barnes said.

Explained

Incumbent Mayor Susan Sample continued the city’s tradition of appointing the council member who received the most votes in an election to mayor pro tem, which belonged to Barnes, who won with 1,877 votes, according to the Harris County election results. Just behind Barnes by 79 votes was council member Kalie Jackura Rainsberger.

The person appointed as mayor pro tem will perform the duties of the mayor during the absence or inability of the mayor to perform the duties of the office, according to West U’s ordinance.

What else?

John Montgomery, the previous mayor pro tem, did not seek reelection. He told Community Impact in a February email that he decided not to run for both personal and professional reasons, including what he called a “strong pull" to spend more time with his family.