By Megan Boatwright, Local News 8 Reporter

Within an hour of starting the scheduled city council meeting in Rexburg Richard Woodland was appointed the new mayor.  Former Mayor, Shawn Larsen, resigned to take a job with a company in Utah two months ago. 

The decision was made by a majority vote within the city council.  The only member who voted for someone else was Acting Mayor, Chris Mann. 

It was a packed city council room Wednesday night and many showed up in support of Rexburg Chamber of Commerce Director, Donna Benfield. 

Benfield was overwhelmingly elected a new council member in the Nov. 3 election.     

It appeared that three councilmen worked together to ensure Woodland's appointment.  Acting Mayor Chris Mann was also a candidate, but began the meeting by withdrawing his name.  Thirteen candidates, including Benfield, Mann and Woodland, submitted applications for mayor.     

Mann didn't give a reason for the withdrawal but did say his support would be for Benfield.

Benfield sat in the crowd surrounded by family and supporters.

It was Councilman Adam Stout who first nominated Woodland.  Bart Stevens followed, then Rex Erickson.  In the end all but Mann voted in favor.     

After, Woodland told Local News 8 he decided to become a candidate after he was approached by other members of the council.

"Several members came to me individually and asked if I would do it," Woodland said.  "I told them ‘no', but they persisted and talked with me privately."

Woodland was sworn in shortly after the vote. 

Some Benfield supporters made comments Wednesday afternoon before the meeting.  "I think most of the people are anticipating either Donna or Chris Mann," said Rexburg Resident Bob Jones Wednesday afternoon.  

"We live in Rexburg and you hope things aren't very archaic but sometimes they are," said another Benfield supporter, Heather Chester.  "I went the night the candidates introduced themselves and just felt like Donna was the most qualified."   

When asked about Benfield, Mayor Woodland said he wouldn't be surprised if she won the next election.  Woodland also said he does not intend to run.  "I plan to fulfill this commitment and then let the voice of the people be heard," he said.

The next mayoral election isn't until 2011.