ARTESIA : Council Reappoints Menezes to Mayor Post
The Artesia City Council, unable to agree last month on who should serve as mayor, voted unanimously this week to reappoint current Mayor Isidro S. Menezes.
The largely ceremonial position typically rotates among council members every year. Councilman Robert Jamison was in line for the job, but Councilman Timothy J. Kelemen protested that Jamison has held the office four times in 23 years. Councilman Ron Oliver supported Jamison, saying the tradition of passing the gavel should be maintained.
Kelemen said the popular Menezes deserved to serve another year. Menezes asked to delay the matter so he could discuss a second term with constituents. Menezes said reaction from supporters was so strong that “I felt like I couldn’t say no.”
At Monday’s meeting, the council voted 5-0 to appoint Menezes.
Reorganization in Santa Fe Springs was quieter. Veteran councilwoman Betty Wilson was selected as mayor and George Minnehan as mayor pro tem.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
