The Anna City Council appointed Councilman Kevin Toten as Mayor Pro-Tem following a series of votes and a closed session that highlighted the council’s divided views on leadership roles.

Prior to the meeting, Councilman Stan Carver was serving as Mayor Pro-Tem, a role he held through the previous term following Former Councilman Lee Miller‘s departure from the role after the 2024 election. As the council convened to select a new Mayor Pro-Tem, multiple nominations and votes were held.

Councilman Nathan Bryan nominated Kevin Toten for the position, stating,

“(I) Think it’s about time. I’ve known the guy a long time and he’s been up here and served well.”

Mayor Pete Cain seconded the motion, but the vote ended in a 3-3-1 tie, falling short of the majority needed to confirm the appointment.

In an attempt to break the tie, Councilman Manny Singh nominated Councilwoman Kelly Herndon for Mayor Pro-Tem, with Elden Baker seconding. This vote also resulted in a 3-3-1 split.

Mayor Cain acknowledged the stalemate by noting,

“So that failed as well.”

Following these votes, Councilman Toten motioned to enter closed session, seconded by Carver, with the full council agreeing unanimously. Before heading into the closed-door meeting, some council members remained in the chambers to converse briefly, as tensions remained palpable.

Returning from closed session, Bryan again nominated Toten for Mayor Pro-Tem, with Cain seconding. This time, the council voted 4-2-1 in favor.

Shortly after, Councilman Toten moved to appoint Stan Carver as Deputy Mayor Pro-Tem, a motion Mayor Cain seconded. This vote passed 5-2-0.

The council’s votes reflect a willingness to balance continuity and change, with experienced council members maintaining leadership roles as others transition.

Kevin Toten has served on the Anna City Council since 2018, when he was first elected after defeating Stan Carver in a runoff. Since then, Toten has won reelection twice and is now in his third term. With over seven years of continuous service, he is currently the second-longest-serving council member. He stands just behind Nathan Bryan, who previously served eight years on the council from 2012 to 2020 and has now returned, making Bryan technically the longest-serving current council member.

With the Mayor Pro-Tem and Deputy Mayor Pro-Tem positions settled, the council prepares to focus on the city’s priorities in the months ahead, such as the search for a new city manager.