 | | | Council Member Don Tatzin with wife Ellen Reintjes. Photo C. Tyson | | | | | | Now starting his astonishing 30th year serving the people of Lafayette, Don Tatzin gracefully wrapped up his sixth mayoral term and reflected on accomplishments of the past year.
The last city council meeting of 2014 is the designated time when members rotate positions, so going forward Mayor Tatzin becomes Council Member Tatzin, and 2014's vice mayor, Brandt Andersson, will be Lafayette's mayor in 2015. Traci Reilly moves from council member to vice mayor.
County Supervisor Candace Andersen came to pay tribute, thanking Tatzin for his amusing sense of humor and dry wit, bringing levity to lengthy and at times dry meetings they attend about fire service and transportation, and pointing out that he has "chosen to commit his life to public service. I admire that."
Newly elected State Assembly Member Catharine Baker commended Tatzin for his service and working toward consensus on the city council, minimizing rancor. "I hope I can take that example to Sacramento," she said.
As is the custom, now former mayor Tatzin reflected on the challenges of the prior year with family and friends in the audience, thanking wife Ellen for her consistent support as delicious, celebratory chocolate cake waited in the wings.
Decisions were made on two city-owned properties in 2014. It was decided that the old library will be used for a public purpose, and that the parcel across the street will be used, at least for the time being, for public parking.
Progress has been made to join the Moraga Orinda Fire District and the Contra Costa Fire District in a special shared station. About the on-going Terraces of Lafayette development off of Deer Hill Road, Tatzin joked, "I successfully punted on that issue."
Thanks to his efforts, Lafayette celebrated the first ever Dogtown Downtown event to highlight beloved canines with a fun filled party that had an educational component at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. The second annual event is slated for April.
Due to the very healthy budget situation, he added, "Financially we're in great shape."
Newly installed Mayor Andersson tipped his hat, commenting, "He's had a remarkable career with no signs of slowing down."
Reilly said she is humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve as vice mayor. She had special thanks for her accommodating family, noting their sacrifice - council meetings can start early, so they have to fend for themselves for dinner. "If you have teenagers, you know that's a very big deal," she said.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA