Montana mayor-elect replaced after skipping swearing-in ceremony

Runner-up replaced him a day later

The mayor-elect of Laurel, Montana was a no-show at his swearing-in ceremony Tuesday, resulting in the election's runner-up taking his spot.

Former city councilman Tom Nelson began his reign as Laurel's new mayor Wednesday after mayor-elect Dave Waggoner didn't attend the city council's Tuesday meeting. Waggoner was asked to leave his current position at the city's wastewater treatment plant before taking office, but apparently never sent a letter of resignation. When he was a no-show at the ceremony, city officials appointed Nelson in his place.

Nelson's term as mayor will last until the next municipal election in 2019.

Waggoner did not return calls seeking comment.