PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS Danny Robinson was sworn in as the new Mayor of Tama by City Clerk Jill Apfel immediately after being appointed.

TAMA — There was a large crowd at Monday night’s Tama City Council meeting, and for good reason: it was time to appoint a new mayor. Only two letters were received from those who applied for the position after the resignation of Brian Hanus on March 4: one from John Anderson and one from current Tama Councilman Danny Robinson.

It was motioned, seconded, and then approved, and on the spot, Robinson was sworn in to his new role.

“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 he said 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.

With the last two mayors resigning and multiple controversies facing the city, Robinson admitted he 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 to fill the new vacancy left by Robinson’s appointment.

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 council approved retaining Lynch Dallas Legal of Cedar Rapids for city attorney services.