But some residents are concerned that the lack of a mayor will impede the flow of city decisions.

"[The lack of a mayor] is really rather frustrating because it's holding things up on the School Committee," Bohn-Hayden says.

"It's a scary situation," she adds. "I'm surprised that everything's so middle of the road."

Cambridge committees, whose chairs are usually appointed by the mayor, have seen their activities stalled by the standoff, according to the Cambridge Chronicle.

And other residents are concerned with image problems that not having a mayor yields for Cambridge.

Although perturbed by the council's indecision, Cambridge resident Lynne A. Molnar says she is most upset about the stalemate because of the image problems it has inflicted upon the city.

"The controversy doesn't make us look too [good]," she says. "It looks like the City Council suffers from in-house controversy."

"As a Cambridge resident, I hope they settle it soon," Molnar says, "so they can preserve Cambridge's image."

And others believe settling the dispute now will be best for the city in the long run.

Citing the "unusually long" selection process, E. Denise Summers says, "I think the city is not doing all that it can in terms of [resolving] uncertainty [for the city's residents]. It would serve the city well for the city councillors to decide this matter soon so we can go on to other things."

Time for Change

Many councillors say they believe that Reeves has had his chance and that it is now time for someone else to become mayor.

"Reeves did a good job, but he had two chances in a row and he really needs to stand back and let someone else have a chance," Russell told The Crimson earlier this month.

Triantafillou explains simply, "People are just looking for a change."

Born also says she believes that there is more than one person who could lead the city.