Council Bids Farewell to 2 Members

City Council members Sandra L. Genis and Mary Hornbuckle, elected officials for eight and 12 years respectively, stepped down this week during a short ceremony at which their colleagues described them as two of the most dedicated and sincere women in local politics.

“One thing the citizens of Costa Mesa will never know is how much these women cared about you, about this community,” Councilman Peter Buffa said.

Genis and Hornbuckle both decided not to seek another term.

Genis made a run for a seat on the city’s water board instead, but was unsuccessful.

“I am impatient, I am stubborn, and I am sure there are people out there who could add more, but I stuck to my principles,” she said.

Hornbuckle said she did not seek reelection because she needed a rest from public office.

After short speeches that earned a standing ovation, Genis and Hornbuckle stepped aside for newly elected Councilwomen Heather K. Somers and Libby Cowan. Somers heads the Eastside Neighborhood Assn., and Cowan formerly chaired the city Planning Commission.

“I am delighted that they are both women, and if that sounds sexist, so be it,” Hornbuckle said. “It’s my belief that women and men both bring talents.”

Also during the ceremony, Mayor Joe Erickson--described by his peers as one of the most popular mayors in city history--passed the gavel on to Buffa. The mayoral title rotates among officials. Erickson, reelected to a third term in November, will remain on the council.

Councilman Gary Monahan, two years into his first term, was chosen mayor pro tem.