Laguna Niguel : Goodman Chosen to Serve as Mayor

The City Council this week chose third-year Councilman Mark Goodman to serve as the city’s mayor.

The 40-year-old transportation analyst was elected in a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Eddie Rose abstaining. Rose had nominated Mayor Janet Godfrey to serve a second mayoral term, but she declined the nomination.

Thomas W. Wilson was elected mayor pro tem.

Tuesday’s meeting also contained an emotional farewell to Councilman James F. Krembas, a council member since the city’s incorporation. Citing a need for a break from politics, Krembas did not run for reelection.

With his usual mix of gratitude and optimism, Krembas, 58, thanked the community members who worked alongside him in the city incorporation effort and exhorted the council to listen to all city residents when making important decisions.

“Laguna Niguel is not things. It’s people,” a teary-eyed Krembas said. “We don’t have an amusement park or a mission. But we do have loyal and dedicated people.”

Krembas had been on the board of directors of the Laguna Niguel Community Services District since 1987. He was also one of the founders of the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, serving as its president in 1983-1984.

Councilwoman Patricia C. Bates, who was also an inaugural City Council member and who was recently reelected with 30% of the vote, said she will miss Krembas’ sense of humor and giving spirit.

“It’s a happy night to see a colleague go out and share his gifts with others,” Bates said. “But it’s also a moment of sadness.”