Councilman Loebl Named New Mayor

After a year filled with strife and success, Ojai Mayor Nina V. Shelley passed on her civic title to fellow council member James D. Loebl.

After a unanimous vote, Loebl was sworn in for a one-year term as mayor Tuesday--a date that coincidently marked his 28th year as a councilman.

“After having been mayor of Shangri-La three times, I’m satisfied,” Shelley said, adding that she plans to retire from politics after her council term expires in 1998.

City Manager Andrew S. Belknap called Shelley an inspiration. “I hope that I can be so active and engaged in the community at her age,” he said. “She’s incredibly hard-working.”

The post of mayor is rotated among council members each year. Loebl, 68, has served as mayor three times before. Councilman Bob McKinney was chosen as mayor pro-tem.

The 74-year-old Shelley, who mixes charm with persistence, presided over the electoral defeat of the proposed Weldon Canyon dump and the electoral success of a parcel tax to help support the Ojai public library.

“I was determined to help win those fights,” said Shelley, who walked precincts to educate residents about the issues. Another issue close to Shelley’s heart--a traffic light at Ojai Avenue and Montgomery Street--finally passed minutes after she handed the gavel to Loebl.

Construction on the $180,000 light, which will be Ojai’s fourth, is expected to begin this summer.