by April Taylor Record Editor
Published: May 8, 2008

Local Republican Committee head and former Greene County Planning Commission chairman Gary Lowe was unanimously appointed by the town council as the next mayor of Stanardsville on Wednesday, April 30.
Lowe, a town council member, replaces Jerry Bortner, who passed away due to illness on March 21. Bortner had been mayor of the town for 14 years.
Lowe will complete Bortner’s term, which expires in 2010.
At the meeting on April 30, town council member Wilbur Morris nominated Lowe and Doris Swenson made a second to the motion.
Richard Early, who has been acting as vice mayor since Bortner’s death, voted “yes” as well to appoint Lowe.
“I’ll abstain,” said Lowe lightly. The council has four members. 
Before accepting the nomination, Lowe asked jokingly, “Do I have a choice?”
Lowe must appear before the Circuit Court clerk and be sworn in to make his mayoral appointment official.
According to state code, the town council had until May 5 to fill the mayoral vacancy.
Due to Stanardsville’s population size - roughly estimated 476 in the year 2000, no special election was required to fill Bortner’s unexpired term.
Lowe’s appointment to mayor leaves a vacancy on the town council that the body has to fill within 45 days. The council plans to fill the vacancy at its next meeting.
After the meeting on Wednesday, Lowe was asked how he felt about his new role.
“Jerry Bortner had a deep desire to see the revitalization of this town,” said Lowe. “I have a real strong feeling to continue that wish.”
As mayor, Lowe says he anticipates “more opportunities to initiate things.”
“It’s more of a leadership role,” said Lowe. The mayor kind of sets the agenda.”
Based on Stanardsville’s town charter, the mayor’s duties are described as such:
* He shall be the chief executive officer of the town, he shall have an d exercise all power and authority conferred by general law, not inconsistent with this general law, no inconsistent with this charter.
* He shall preside over the meeting of the council, and he has the same right to speak there in as members of the council. But he cannot have a vote except in the case of a tie vote.
* He shall have the power to veto over ordinances and resolution of the council.  But such ordinances and resolutions may be passed over such veto by two-thirds vote of the members of the council present and voting. He shall be recognized as the head of the town government for all ceremonial purposes. He shall perform such other duties consistent with his office as may be imposed by the town council.
* He shall see that the duties of the various town officers are faithfully performed * he shall authenticate by his signature documents or instruments as the council or laws of the Commonwealth shall require.”
According to town officials, the mayor is paid $100 per month.
Lowe, a longtime, active resident of Stanardsville, is chairman of the Republican Committee in Greene and on the Board of Directors for * STAR * (Stanardsville Area Revitalization). He is also chairman of the design and implementation committee for STAR.  Lowe works as senior project manager for the University of Virginia Health System. He and his wife, Karen, have five children.
Lowe also serves as president of the Dogwood Valley Citizens Association (DVCA), a role that has been not without controversy over the last several years. Lowe lost a 2005 Board of Supervisors run, largely due to accusations and legal actions taken against DVCA. In fact, he is scheduled to appear in court this summer. Asked if he felt these ongoing legal issues would affect his ability to serve as mayor, Lowe politely said, “no.”
“It has not affected any previous serving of my civic duties, and I don’t anticipate it affecting any in the future.”