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New mayor and councilmember face tough decisions ahead Fresh off his election victory, Corey Calaycay was selected as the new Mayor of Claremont by his fellow council members on Tuesday night. Councilmember Sam Pedroza, who called him “the man who was born to be Mayor”, nominated him and the motion carried by unanimous vote. Addressing the audience, Mr. Calaycay first thanked God, his family, his colleagues and supporters for the opportunity to serve a second term on the council. He said he plans to bring his own personal style to the role of Mayor, including "sharing the stage with my colleagues always and recognizing that this is a team effort." He then listed some goals for the city amid "difficult times." "We as a council have worked over the last 4 years to develop a list of priorities and it's my objective to do my best to try and advance as many of those as possible," Mr. Calaycay said. "Obviously the most important right now is doing our best to keep the city solvent and assuring that we emerge from some of the challenges a stronger and better city for it," he added. His former employer, retired State Senator Bob Margett, swore Mr. Calaycay into office. Councilmember Linda Elderkin will take over as Mayor Pro Tem. New Councilmember Larry Schroeder was also sworn into office and made a brief statement thanking his family and supporters and outlining his goals for the city, including the "arduous task of attracting and retaining businesses in Claremont." "With hard work, we will have a thriving local economy that provides jobs, provides shopping opportunities and sales tax revenue to our community," he said.
The night was also scheduled as a farewell for outgoing Mayor Ellen Taylor, who addressed the audience about her years on the council. She listed year by year all the accomplishments of the city council and lamented over projects not yet completed. "It's really been an honor to serve as you councilmember, your Mayor Pro Tem and this last year as your Mayor," Ms. Taylor said. Before stepping down from the dias for the final time, Ms. Taylor was congratulated and praised by all of her colleagues. "I learned a lot [from you] especially seeing your techniques as Mayor," Mr. Pedroza said. “We saw a lot of success with the meeting that you had on Johnson's Pasture and the water company, and I think you broke a lot of ground. I think that's something where you went above and beyond [the call of duty]." Ms. Elderkin praised Ms. Taylor for spearheading "the emphasis on Human Services in this town" and for her work with Tri City Mental Health Center, the Youth Master Plan, senior programs and the 4th of July Committee. "Where there's Human Services in Claremont, there's Ellen Taylor" she said. Ms. Taylor received several bouquets of flowers, recognitions of service from State Senator Bob Huff and Assemblyman Anthony Adams and a standing ovation from the audience. Before adjournment, everyone in the room was asked to sing happy birthday to Mr. Schroeder, who celebrated both his first day as an elected official and his 60th birthday. — Tony Krickl |
