Laguna Niguel's New Mayor Smoothing Troubled Waters

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — After former Laguna Niguel mayor Jerry Slusiewicz resigned during a special session to discuss his removal from office on August 14. In a statement, he described his reasons following a flurry of legal actions.

Moments before Slusiewicz's resignation, the city council agreed that in the event of majority council vote, the mayor or mayor pro tem could be removed without cause. After his resignation, Slusiewicz released the following statement.

“A few moments ago I resigned as mayor because I could not in good conscience preside over a phony proceeding convened in the name of Laguna Niguel taxpayers,” Slusiewicz said in a statement after he walked out of the council meeting. "To put it bluntly, my colleagues do not want me as the mayor, and I cannot lead a body suffering from the great disability of indifference.” Slusiewicz will serve until 2020 when his time on Laguna Niguel City Council comes to an end, unless he decides to run for reelection.

But there's a new mayor in town.

Councilman Fred Minegar released a letter to the residents of Laguna Niguel, whom he has served as a council member for over 20 years.

I am extremely humbled and honored to serve the great City of Laguna Niguel as the new Mayor.

Serving in the office of the Mayor is the highest honor which can be bestowed upon any citizen of our great City. I have served our great City for over 21 years with the highest honesty, integrity, and full transparency.

As the new Mayor of Laguna Niguel, my job is to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America, the laws of the great State of California and last but certainly not least, to assure our tax paying residents that as long as I’m an elected official, I will sustain the beautiful quality of life which we have enjoyed since the City’s incorporation in 1989.

I will also commit, pledge, and assure our taxpaying residents that everything will be done in accordance with the laws and high standard of living of our City (aka Laguna Niguel Way).

While attending Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government in Cambridge, MA, I used to walk by the monument of President John F. Kennedy and read the following inscription: “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country…”

Finally, a hundred and fifty-two years ago, Abraham Lincoln spoke of government of, by, and for the people. No place has the spirit of his comments been more evident and nowhere will it be more a reality.

I am very excited and look forward to working very closely with the entire City Council and our excellent City staff. God bless America and the great City of Laguna Niguel.

Thank you all very much.
Mayor Fred Minagar, PE

Photo, courtesy City of Laguna Niguel