Staff is also due thanks, Luna said. “I know they get a lot of calls from the council and respond immediately to our calls.”Luna thanked his family for “enduring all the hardships; my family supported me 100 percent.”“I am really looking forward to working with this council and John’s leadership,” said Krause. “I believe we have a great four years ahead of us, and I am looking forward to it.”Procter thanked his family and companion Linda Livingston who “has suffered the indignity of being pencilled in. . .I am filled with excitement for this new council and can’t wait to go to work.”His main mayoral responsibility is as the “gatekeeper for parliamentary procedure” but ensuring courteous behavior is a priority, said Procter.“I will not allow attacks from the dais,” and end “contentious behavior in the council chambers. I want common courtesy even at times when all of us feel like jumping across the dais. . .”Business meetings can include “vigorous debate” but not personal attacks. “Constructive criticism” is welcome as long as remarks are directed to the council as a whole.“I don’t expect your pity,” Procter noted, “but one thing that comes apparent is that we act as a body; you may not respect our decisions or each of us but respect our decisions. All will be recognized fairly and evenly and this position will not be used as a bully pulpit.”Overall, added Procter, “I will judge my success on how little I have to use the gavel. . .I think we’re going to have a great year.”Later, Procter added thanks to Fire Chief Paul Skeels, who acted as interim city manager for almost a year. “I want to thank him for his diligence and hard work, thanks for keeping us afloat during a tough time,” said Procter.
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(Right) Outgoing mayor, Ray Luna, passes on the gavel to new mayor, John Procter, at last Mondays reorganization meeting of the Santa Paula City Council. Photos by Don Johnson |
Santa Paula City Council selects new Mayor
December 29, 2002
John Procter, Mayor; Gabino Aguirre, Vice Mayor
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesUnanimous votes with no council or public discussion confirmed John Procter as Mayor and Dr. Gabino Aguirre Vice Mayor at the Dec. 16th City Council meeting.Councilman Rick Cook nominated Procter, now in the midst of his first term and received unanimous council support.Ray Luna, the outgoing mayor, gave the gavel to Procter.“There’s no rest for the wicked,” said Procter with a laugh as he opened nominations for vice mayor.Councilwoman Mary Ann Krause nominated Aguirre, the top vote-getter in the November election, for the post, and again the council vote was unanimous.Procter said he wanted to thank the council, City Attorney Phil Romney, City Clerk Steven Salas and Deputy City Clerk Josie Herrera, the latter the “glue that holds this council together.”Procter asked “our senior council member Cook,” last month reelected to his second term of office, to be the first for comment.“It will fun for the next four years,” said Cook. “I think we’ll wade through,” many issues, some that the council might differ on. “We all ran on different reasons but we’ll all stick together.”“We are faced with many challenges and it is a great opportunity for us,” said Aguirre. “Santa Paula is at a crossroads, and the five sitting up here can handle the task. I’ve loved Santa Paula since the first day I drove into town; it’s a jewel and it’s up to us to polish that jewel. We will be a shining example of what a well-planned community should be.”Luna thanked the present council as well as former council members Don Johnson and Laura Flores Espinosa for their advice and direction.
