Rick Gunter has been chosen to be the new mayor by the La Cañada Flintridge City Council in their July 18 meeting. Alongside Gunter will be Michael Davitt as mayor pro tem.
The meeting was mainly dedicated to former Mayor Keith Eich, honoring him for his service this past year.
Eich gave his remarks to the Council and the community before turning to the vote. He took the time to thank his wife and children for their constant support, but also the City Council and city staff.
“I want to thank my fellow Councilmembers, all four of you, who were supportive and helped ensure we were a team,” said Eich. “We covered for one another to ensure we went to community events and knew when special occasions needed our attention. We made sure that our city was set up with the change, as we ushered in our new city manager.
“I want to thank the city staff for their patience, persistence and perseverance,” he said. “They were patient with my questions and my desire to always move faster.
“Last but not least, thank you,” he added. “Thank you to the community that stood by me, encouraged me and made it worth the effort. Even when we disagreed on particular issues or situations, we kept the idea of keeping La Cañada Flintridge great as our central focus.”
Councilwoman Terry Walker congratulated Eich on his year as mayor and praised him for his full commitment to representing the City Council and supporting the community in various events.
“First of all, I would like to thank you,” said Walker. “You did an outstanding job this year under what were sometimes very difficult circumstances. Your diligence, commitment to our community … I don’t think I ever saw you walk, you were always running. … [You] didn’t miss a community event unless it was absolutely necessary.”
Walker continued by nominating Gunter for the role of mayor, and after the unanimous vote from the Council, Eich and Gunter switched seats.
Gunter became emotional as he sat in the chair and took the role as the new mayor.
“I am privileged and honored to serve with this group, to serve with the staff who I respect and serve a community that I love,” said Gunter.
Shortly after, Gunter nominated Davitt for the role of mayor pro tem and the Council approved. As seats were changed, city staff also changed the name plaques that lay on front of each chair to match the new Council order.
A number of individuals then came in front of the City Council to commemorate certificates and gifts to Eich.
Representatives ranging from the state Assemblyman Chris Holden, L.A. County Fire Department and state Sen. Anthony Portantino’s office came to give their remarks and gifts to Eich. Among the group was Capt. Robert Hahnlein from the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station.
“I appreciate all the partnership that you have given us and the support you have given the station,” said Hahnlein. “But I also want to say that I think that I have made a new friend, and I really appreciate that.”
Superintendent Wendy Sinnette also showed her love to Eich, representing the La Cañada Unified School District.
“Mayor Eich, we’d like to thank you with our sincerest gratitude,” said Sinnette. “We’ve had more than our usual fair share of challenges this year, but we were always really appreciative of and so impressed by your collaborative spirt, your attention to detail, your consistent positivity and most importantly your principled approach.”
Pat Anderson from the LCF Chamber of Commerce also spoke.
“Your support and participation in our city and chamber events are clear evidence of your spirit of giving back to our community,” said Anderson. “Thank you for 52 weeks of the Mayor’s Corner, giving us insights into local government, City Council actions, good books to read and the importance of spending time with family and so much more.
“The chamber and the community of La Cañada Flintridge are all the better because of your special involvement,” she added. “Keith Eich, city above self, keeping peace, getting things done, congratulations on the many successes of your first term as mayor of La Cañada Flintridge.”
The Council gave Eich various gifts, including a small clock that bore the inscription: “Mayor Keith Eich, city of La Cañada Flintridge 22-23, anytime and everywhere.”
Goals for the future for the new City Council include new plans that will contribute to the community.
“I have the great honor of serving with so terribly talented Councilmembers that bring really unique skills and backgrounds to this Council and to our town,” said Gunter. “So, in the coming year, I’ll be meeting with each one and kind of developing plans that are really suited to what their interests and passions and skills are.”
First published in the July 20 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
