MOSES LAKE — David Curnel was sworn in as mayor of Moses Lake by Judge David Estudillo during Tuesday’s city council meeting after receiving unanimous support from his fellow council members.

Curnel, a Vietnam veteran and physician, has served as a member of the city council since 2010 and deputy mayor of Moses Lake since 2018. As a “weak mayor,” Curnel will remain a voting member of the council.

In Moses Lake and many other “weak mayor” cities, mayors are not elected by the public. Instead, residents vote on a slate of city council members, who then vote on council members to serve as mayor and deputy mayor. Most of the administrative duties held by “strong mayors” are held by the city manager in Moses Lake.

Curnel’s additional duties as mayor will largely be ceremonial, including leading council meetings, but he is also recognized by the governor for purposes of maintaining military law during emergencies.

Curnel shook hands and swapped seats with outgoing Mayor Karen Liebrecht Tuesday, a small business owner and the city’s first female mayor, who has served in that position since mid-2017 and on the council since 2010. As what he called his first official act, Curnel asked Liebrecht to step in front of the audience to receive a plaque in honor of her service.

“Put aside the fact that Mrs. Liebrecht is our first female mayor; you have done an exemplary job,” Curnel said, first to the audience and then to Liebrecht. “We have been through some very trying times, turbulent times, losing our upper management, and you have led this council and this city with grace, humility, determination and an unwavering vision of what’s best for the citizens of Moses Lake.”

“And for that, we commend you and applaud you,” Curnel added to applause.

Liebrecht remains a voting member of the council until at least 2022, when her current term expires. Her portrait was added Tuesday to a long line of past mayors of the city displayed inside the council chambers.

Council member Daryl Jackson will replace Curnel as deputy mayor, after winning his vote 4-3 with support from now-Council member Liebrecht and council members David Eck and Dean Hankins, as well as a vote for himself.

Council member Don Myers was also nominated for the position, receiving support from Curnel, newly-elected Council member Michael Riggs and himself.