 | | | Carol Federighi Photo Cathy Tyson
| | | | | | It's that time of year again. Before the Menorah is lit or Santa comes down the chimney, the City Council does its annual reorganization. The new Mayor and Vice Mayor are elected from the current members of the City Council, to mostly ceremonial positions. In their usual civilized manner, everybody takes turns. Freshly former Mayor Carl Anduri who served for 2011 stepped down, and former Vice Mayor Federighi got "promoted" by a unanimous vote to serve as Mayor for 2012, her third time since joining the City Council in 1999. Mike Anderson will serve as Vice Mayor.
"You have been a terrific mayor," said Federighi, "Doing your homework, listening and asking good questions." She cited his terrific leadership on a range of issues from protecting open space and ridgelines to serving senior citizens.
As a token of appreciation the former mayor, now just a regular City Council Member, received a lovely cutting board with a small personalized plaque. He graciously thanked all of the City staff, commission, committee and task force volunteers, the Chamber of Commerce and the Homeowners Council. "It's a joy to serve the city," said Anduri, describing the experienced senior people within the City Council and the city staff that help things run so smoothly.
City Manager Steven Falk opined that the cutting board could refer to a number of things; the former Mayor's "cutting wit, or perhaps his willingness to cut off people who go over their allotted speaking time, and cutting the budget."
After changing seats, new Mayor Federighi thanked her supportive husband, terrific staff and many community volunteers and concerned citizens that help make Lafayette wonderful. "It's largely a ceremonial role. I'm honored to represent the city in all kinds of ways - I hope I can represent you well," she said.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA