Wiggins embarks on third term as mayor

Robert Blechl

CIVIC CENTER -- Burbank Vice Mayor Bob Kramer said even the City

Council isn’t exempt from recycling.

His case in point: Bill Wiggins, who on Monday began his third term as

mayor in the past six years.

As expected, Wiggins was elected mayor by his colleagues Monday during

a Burbank City Council reorganization meeting at City Hall.

Wiggins, on the council since 1993, also served as mayor in 1994-1995

and 1996-1997. With his ascension to the middle chair on the council,

Wiggins becomes the first person in Burbank history to serve three

separate terms as mayor.

Wiggins, who has announced that he won’t run for reelection next year,

said he expects to have a full plate of issues to contend with during his

final year on the council. For starters, Wiggins said, he plans to scrap

the weekly call-in show, “Ask the Mayor,” in favor of a new show, “Mayor

on the Streets,” in which he’d interview city employees to keep residents

abreast of local issues.

Wiggins said he intends to be a key decision-maker as the city

considers several multimillion-dollar development proposals.

“It’s special being mayor, especially mayor in (my) last term,”

Wiggins said Monday. “And the colleagues I’m working with truly care

about the city of Burbank.”

Kramer said he was looking forward to working alongside Wiggins as

vice mayor.

“I’m happy to work with Bill,” Kramer said. “He’s taught me a lot

about dealing with people.”

Wiggins, who owns a metal-plating business in Glendale, took over

mayoral duties from Stacey Murphy, who used Monday’s occasion to joke

about her year on the job.

“I’m really glad this day is here,” Murphy said with a smile of

relief. “It’s been challenging and awfully eventful. I want to thank

everyone for their support.”

During the ceremony, Wiggins gave Murphy a plaque of appreciation for

her role in helping the city obtain its first lighted soccer field.