I "escaped" to Morro Bay from Los Angeles on January 1, 1989. I didn't know a soul, but this beautiful community was where I wanted to live. To meet people and become involved, I applied and was appointed to a city advisory board, then the Planning Commission, election to City Council, and ultimately, Mayor.
My files hold many memories . . . contract negotiations with Charter Cable and Duke Energy, working on the Waterfront Master Plan, General Plan, Local Coastal Plan, etc. I voted for the Cloisters and Morro Cove developments, and opposed the Harbor View project and a launch ramp at Target Rock. I hosted the first live TV meeting with AGP Video.
The accomplishments I'm proudest of are the roundabout, which I supported from its conception; the Mobile Home Rent Control Ordinance, using my tiered-rent concept; the Harbor Walk, a wonderful addition to our waterfront; and our pending new fire station. I'm still hoping to see a boat haul out facility, a conference center and a maritime/history museum, and will continue supporting those projects as a private citizen.
While I actively participated in these accomplishments, no elected official works alone. The councilmembers, planning commissioners, and advisory board members who have served over the years provided enthusiastic support, ideas, and information.
Our City Staff does a terrific job, adjusting to changes in elected officials and boardmembers, and keeping us aware of the financial and legal realities of running a city. I have watched the periodic changes in City personnel, and realize that the right people tend to appear when their particular skills are most needed, and when that task is completed, they move on. It's a normal cycle of constant change and growth.
I worked with five city managers before Andrea Lueker, and have found her to be most effective in uniting the various departments to work together and support each other. I appreciate City Attorney Rob Schultz for giving the Council sound advice and avoiding expensive litigation. Our department heads are dedicated and proactive in supporting our city despite our challenging financial situation. We are fortunate to have all of them, and they deserve our sincere thanks.
Our citizens deserve thanks as well for facing our financial crisis, which preceded the national economic woes, when the power plant reduced its operation and fishing was seriously curtailed. We worked together to support local business and energize and develop our tourist industry. We are already seeing positive results, and a resurgence of the fishing industry as well. The challenges aren't over, but we all need to be part of the solutions.
It's been an honor to represent Morro Bay in national venues. I visited Representative Walter Capps in Washington D.C., hosted Lois Capps' first local campaign event, and am very grateful for her continued support for our dredging funds and the fishing industry. I've represented our interests on the State level with the California Marine Affairs and Navigation Conference and with the League of California Cities.
The monthly SLO County mayors' lunches have been educational and productive, as we worked together on the local sales tax initiatives and the successful Proposition 22 campaign to protect city revenues.
I encourage our new Council to continue reaching beyond our city boundaries and be active at county, state and federal levels. Morro Bay is physically somewhat isolated, so we must make an effort to be included in wider arenas. I encourage you to support and appreciate your staff. The more contact and input they have, the better they can implement your directions.
As for future plans, I will definitely still be involved in our community. I'll continue to produce the two events I created . . . the Fundraiser Follies and the Mermaid & Pirate Parade, both labors of love. I remain coordinator of the Winter Bird Festival and am active with the Morro Photo Expo, Morro Bay Seniors, the Art Association, and Chamber of Commerce. I'll also attend the occasional council or JPA meeting to add my public comment!
The legacy I hope to leave as your mayor is one of attitude: Respect each other, value each other, listen to each other, encourage each other. We don't have to agree on everything, but we need to work cooperatively to keep Morro Bay moving forward.
I second this quote from a retiring football coach, "When you love it and can still walk away from it . . . that's the right moment to leave." Thank you, Morro Bay, for 20 years of learning, working, laughing and making so many wonderful friends!
