Encinitas mayor is saluted in final bow

San Diego Union Tribune – United States
ENCINITAS – The city said goodbye to one council member and hello

to another last night, as Mayor Christy Guerin stepped down from the dais
and newly elected …

ENCINITAS – The city said goodbye to one council member and hello to another last night, as Mayor Christy Guerin stepped down from the dais and newly elected member Teresa Barth stepped up.

Guerin, who chose not to run for re-election after two four-year terms, was feted with gifts and good wishes from city officials, residents and others.

A representative from county Supervisor Pam Slater-Price’s office said the board proclaimed yesterday “Christy Guerin Day” in her honor.

The city presented Guerin with a turquoise vase that was a replica of one Encinitas had given its Japanese sister city, Amakusa. The vase was made by Alex Long, a city employee.

Councilman Jerome Stocks read a letter from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger praising Guerin, who is joining U.S. Rep. Brian Bilbray’s district office.

The firefighters association honored Guerin with a red fire helmet, saying she had earned the honor through her support of fire safety.

Guerin said she would miss the city, as she dabbed the corner of an eye with a tissue.

“It sure makes it a lot easier when you choose to go rather than have someone (else) choose,” she said. “The people of this city are passionate and intelligent, and it’s a privilege to serve them.”

After Guerin joined her husband, Assistant Sheriff Al Guerin, in the audience, council members Dan Dalager and Barth were sworn in.

Dalager, who topped the five-candidate field with 32.1 percent of the vote, was beginning his second term. Barth, who came in second with 24.9 percent, is new to the council.

Barth soon stirred controversy by nominating Councilman James Bond for mayor and Councilwoman Maggie Houlihan for deputy mayor.

There is no predetermined system for naming the mayor, who is selected by a council vote.

Barth said Houlihan had been bypassed for deputy mayor in 2005, when it should have been her turn by dint of receiving the most votes for council in 2004.

Houlihan often differs politically with Dalager, Stocks and Bond.

Bond said, “The only way I can explain it is it’s politics, and in politics things don’t (always) come out right.”

Bond, a councilman since 1992, said the council once adopted a system of succession but repealed it later.

He said he had several degrees, including one in human behavior, but when it came to council politics, “All I’ve really needed to do is be able to count to three.”

Barth’s motion failed, with only herself and Houlihan supporting it.

Dalager moved for Bond as mayor and Stocks as deputy, and that motion passed, with those three supporting it.