SUNLAND-TUJUNGA : Officials to Install Honorary Mayor

Ralph Zenger and Dick Starr, good friends who campaigned against each other to be the Sunland-Tujunga honorary mayor, share at least one trait.

“I don’t think either of us is a real good loser,” said Zenger, an accountant with an office in La Crescenta, who will be installed as the new honorary mayor Friday.

“We went after the jugular,” said Starr, who will become deputy honorary mayor.

The honorary mayor’s race was held in May and June as a way to raise money for the Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce and other local groups and charities. Candidates contended for dollars, instead of votes, by holding fund-raisers such as garage sales, dinner dances and trips.

Zenger edged out Starr by only a few dollars.

By winning the ceremonial post, Zenger will represent the chamber in ribbon-cutting ceremonies for two years, but he will also work with the chamber trying to encourage new businesses in the community.

The honorary mayor often serves as a chamber representative for business with city government and community groups.

“I hope to have more input in making Sunland-Tujunga more productive,” Zenger said.

The two had decided that a healthy competition between them would raise more money for the chamber, said Starr, who was also raising money for Ahead With Horses, a rehabilitation program for handicapped children in Sun Valley, and the Concerned Citizens of Sunland-Tujunga.

Zenger, who was sponsored by the Elks Lodge, raised about $5,500 and Starr raised about $5,400. Zenger, who lives in Northridge, said he has many clients in the Sunland-Tujunga area and has been drawn into the issues in the community.

The two are to be installed in their new posts during a dinner at the Middle Ranch Lodge in Lakeview Terrace on Friday night.