STANTON : Sapien to Be Mayor, Dotson Vice Mayor

Sal Sapien last week was elected mayor by his fellow council members. It is the third time in four years that he has served as mayor.

“It’s not going to be an easy year, with the budget the way it is,” Sapien said, though he added that the community seems to be banding together to accomplish more with less.

Sapien noted that the Community Safety Commission, which will hold its first meeting tonight, is a step toward a safer Stanton. The seven-member commission will study crime and possible solutions for four months, and then make a report to the council. Sapien proposed the group’s formation.

Councilman Harry Dotson, who has been part of a recall attempt aimed at Sapien, is now vice mayor. Dotson, who has never held the honorary mayoral position, is serving his final year on the council. He said he is disappointed that he was not selected but will persevere for the city’s sake.

“The vision that we have (for the city) has to come from teamwork,” said Dotson. “It can’t come from divisiveness.”

Sapien is currently the subject of a recall attempt because of his support for a 6% utility tax the council passed this summer. Dotson joined the recall group after being passed over in October for the vice-mayor position. The honorary title was given instead to Sapien.

Sapien has now pledged to work with Dotson. “I’m looking forward to having a very harmonious year,” he said. “I hope that all the acrimony is behind us.”