Kent’s newly sworn-in mayor is reflecting on the path forward for the city after the death of its long-time mayor, Jerry Fiala, in September.

City Council Vice President Jack Amrhein was sworn in as mayor on Oct. 15.

For Amrhein and the rest of council, even though Fiala had been in declining health, his death was still unexpected.

“It’s certainly been stressful and sad,” he said. “But you have a job to do, so you have to do it.”

Amrhein said he’s worked to hold council together during an emotional and challenging time. He said it was reassuring to know that the council supported him.

“I’m glad they had the confidence in me knowing that I can do the job,” Amrhein said. “I didn’t get a lot of chances to practice being the mayor or even knowing what I was really doing at first, but I’m

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