StatesmanJournal.com – By Danielle Peterson – Appeal Tribune
When Silverton Mayor Stu Rasmussen was sworn in Monday night, it appeared to be a seamless transition for the 60-year-old.
Although he’s no stranger to the position, this time is different from his previous tenure from 1988 to 1992. Now he is thought to be the first openly transgender mayor in the nation – a title that made headlines across the country and prompted a protest by a group from Kansas.
Camera flashes filled the council chambers as Rasmussen was sworn in, along with council members Kyle Palmer and Sherry Hoefel (both of whom were re-elected) and new addition Judy Schmidt.