LAGUNA HILLS : New Mayor Outlines Goals for His Term

Councilman R. Craig Scott handed the gavel to new Mayor Joel T. Lautenschleger this week, after Lautenschleger was unanimously elected by his City Council colleagues.

Lautenschleger, the 50-year-old vice president of Mesa Verde Convalescent Hospital, has held a council seat since the city incorporated in 1991.

“We’re on a course to being one of the best communities in Southern California,” Lautenschleger said. “We want to enhance the parks and recreation program and build more athletic fields. We’re also going to be fiscally prudent. We are in good financial shape because we invested wisely.”

Randal J. Bressette, who along with Scott was elected again, was unanimously chosen to serve another year as mayor pro tem.

The council also welcomed newly elected Councilwoman Cindy Greengold and said farewell to former councilman and former mayor L. Allan Songstad Jr.

Council members thanked Songstad for his key role in the city’s incorporation effort and his focus on improving public safety in Laguna Hills.

“If there is one person who really is responsible for bringing this community to cityhood, it would be Allan Songstad, who led us with a strong hand through a tumultuous time,” Councilwoman Melody Carruth said. “We needed someone with his experience to see us through.”

Songstad had decided not to run for reelection and said he wanted to give other local activists a voice in city decision-making.

“I’m very honored to have been part of the first City Council. It was a very special group,” Songstad said. “I’m very proud of the City Council and of how the city has conducted itself in the last three years.”