As the city’s first elected mayor, Skip Priest is creating a template for the job with every move he makes.

Priest is approaching two months in office. An early task on his plate involved Federal Way’s legislative agenda for 2011. Priest’s experience in the Legislature benefits Federal Way as well as District 30. His high level critical thinking will, presumably, be an asset in this task.

However, Priest is learning to wear hats that are much heavier in Federal Way than in Olympia. The mayor in this new form of government is more than a figurehead. Priest is charged with running the city’s daily operations, and that’s a full-time job with a multimillion-dollar budget.

The voters chose a system of government that gives the mayor authority to hire, fire and lead the city’s staff as well as, to some degree, the community. The voters concentrated both power and scrutiny on one individual, rather than a group like the Federal Way City Council. It all starts and ends with the mayor.

The role of mayor has become the ultimate lightning rod in Federal Way politics. Priest has already taken steps to diffuse some of the voltage: He hired a communications director and an assistant. This action incited criticism and accusations of patronage, coined by some as “hiring his buddies.” The irony is that criticism and patronage come with the territory of a strong elected mayor.

Regardless of who won the election, the mayor deserves time to acclimate to the role, and so does the public. The divisiveness from November’s election continues to cool as everyone, the mayor included, warms up to the next chapter. Priest acknowledged his former election opponent, city council member Jim Ferrell, for engaging the public and strengthening awareness of local government.

In the end, Priest won the job to lead Federal Way in a new era of government. This is now his chance to prove the job was earned. The voters, and The Mirror, will be watching, for better or worse.