SEAL BEACH : City Council Names Frank Laszlo Mayor

Frank Laszlo was selected as the new mayor of Seal Beach last week by a 4-0 vote of the City Council. He replaces Edna Wilson.

Laszlo served on the council from 1976 to 1984 and was elected again in 1988. He has served as mayor twice before, in 1978-79 and 1981-82.

Laszlo said he hopes that harmony will replace dissent in the city during his tenure.

In the past year, the council battled financial problems, accepted the resignation of a city manager and selected a new one, and bickered over the proposed Hellman Ranch project. Voters will decide two ballot measures concerning the project on Tuesday.

“After this election, I would hope that this city would pull together and have a nice, small-town atmosphere. However, I think it’s going to be difficult to accomplish this,” Laszlo said. “If the city does not quiet down, I expect it to be possibly even worse than it was. But I’m looking forward to peace and harmony.”

Wilson, who abstained from the mayoral vote, said she has enjoyed leading the city in the last year.

“It was quite a challenge, and I just want you to know I did what I thought was best and was best for the city,” Wilson said.

Although the last year was filled with strife, Wilson cited more than 30 council accomplishments, including planning the 75th anniversary celebration of Seal Beach, selecting a sister city and resurfacing Bolsa Avenue.