Joan McGilton, who was elected last fall to a second term on the city council, was selected by her fellow lawmakers as Burien’s new mayor on Jan. 9.

Councilman Jack Block Jr. was elected deputy mayor.

Prior to their selection, two newly elected members, Sue Blazak and Rose Clark, along with McGilton and Sally Nelson, who also won re-election last fall, were sworn into office.

Clark previously served on the council from 2000 to 2004.

Officiating at the ceremony was King County District Court Chief Presiding Judge Corinna Harn.

Clark, who nominated McGilton, said “I know her integrity [and] the dedication she has to Burien.”

McGilton has been a role model to her, Clark added.

No other nominations were made and lawmakers unanimously voted for McGilton. She will serve a two-year term.

Shaw then nominated Block for deputy mayor.

“Two years ago when I was sworn in with [Block], he came with the reputation of being a bit of a cowboy,” Shaw recalled.

However, Shaw said in the two years that he has served on the council with Block, though he is “a little rough around the edges, he always acts within the city’s best interest.”

And he pointed to some of Block’s accomplishments, including his role in getting council study sessions televised as an advocate of open government.

Nelson nominated Lucy Krakowiak, noting her activism within the city even before she was elected to council.

Block was elected on a 5-2 vote.

Council members then unanimously confirmed that former Assistant City Manager David Cline will continue as interim city manager until a permanent city manager is hired.

Cline was named acting interim city manager by the former council after City Manager Gary Long announced he would leave that position effective Dec. 31.

In addition, lawmakers praised Cline’s work with them, especially over the previous two weeks on city issues.

Some said they hope Cline will apply for the permanent city manager position.

Council members were expected to establish a procedure for hiring a permanent manager during a retreat Jan. 13-14.

They indicated that an executive search firm will be retained to recruit applicants nationally.