The City Council of Laconia, New Hampshire, convened a special meeting on September 4, 2025, to discuss the appointment of an acting mayor in light of the upcoming election. The meeting focused on the need for a temporary leader to maintain order and decorum in council meetings until a new mayor takes office in January.

The discussion began with a statement emphasizing the straightforward nature of the situation. Council members acknowledged the importance of having someone in the mayor's chair to facilitate meetings and engage with citizens. Councilor Cheney raised a critical point regarding potential conflicts of interest, specifically asking Mr. Sinclair, a candidate for the acting mayor position, to assure the council that he would not be involved in any property transactions with the city during his tenure. Mr. Sinclair humorously referenced a previous joke about selling his property to the city but confirmed he would refrain from any involvement in such matters.

The council clarified the ceremonial nature of the mayor's role, noting that the position primarily involves representing the city at events and breaking ties in council votes. Mr. Sinclair reiterated that the mayor's powers are limited and that the role is largely symbolic, with responsibilities primarily revolving around listening to citizens and passing concerns to the city manager.

Further inquiries were made regarding Mr. Sinclair's plans for his position on the planning board if appointed as acting mayor. He indicated he would seek a leave of absence to avoid any perception of influence during his temporary mayoral duties.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the challenges facing the city, with Mr. Sinclair highlighting the need for effective communication to combat misinformation about city government activities. The council's focus on transparency and citizen engagement was underscored as a priority moving forward.

Overall, the meeting addressed the procedural aspects of appointing an acting mayor while emphasizing the importance of integrity and communication within city governance. The council plans to continue discussions on this matter as the election approaches.