Habemus manager!

Councilman Cecil Thomas demonstrates the connection between his footwear and his vote for City Manager.

Wednesday's vote to confirm Milton Dohoney Jr. as Cincinnati's 14th city manager was probably the most important vote cast to date by the newly reconstituted City Council. And given the lengthy debate that preceded it, the vote could set an historic precedent about who has the right to hire the city's chief executive.

Characteristic of 801 Plum St., it was an event with several sideshows. Enquirer photographer Michael E. Keating captured two of the more oddball moments of the spectacle.

First, Democratic Councilman Cecil Thomas hoisted his sockless wingtips above the council dais to demonstrate that Dohoney "did indeed knock my socks off." (He did not, thankfully, do an impersonation of Nikita Kruschev.)

Then, Avtar S. Gill -- known around City Hall as "the hat guy" for the political statements he makes with his colorful handmade baseball caps -- registered his approval with an impromptu sign.

Gill, a 65-year-old downtown resident, said he wanted to write "Habemus Manager" on the sign -- a reference to the Latin phrase used to announce the election of a new pope -- but was afraid the five non-Catholics on City Council might not get the reference.

Avtar S. Gill holds a sign celebrating the vote.