In an abrupt decision Wednesday night, the Imperial Beach City Council chose Council member Mitch McKay to serve as the city’s next mayor.

McKay will serve out the remaining 15 months of former Mayor Paloma Aguirre’s term, which lasts through next November. Aguirre after she was elected to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

At Wednesday’s council meeting, McKay pitched himself as a collaborative leader who would continue the city’s focus on curbing the cross-border sewage flows . He said he would focus on how the crisis is hurting local businesses, as well as on public health.

The council voted 3-1 to appoint him, with Council member Matthew Leyba-Gonzalez voting against, and McKay voting for himself.

“I have no desires to undo any ordinance or any other things that we've passe

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