Brad Lewis Officially Sworn-In As Interim City Councilman

Brad Lewis was sworn-in as the city’s interim councilmember Monday night, filling the void left by Omar Ahmad's sudden death last month.

“I’m really doing this out of honor and respect for Omar Ahmad,” Brad Lewis said. “Omar was a friend and somebody I served up here with. I truly sorry it’s under these circumstances that I’m back but I’m honored to be back and thanks to everybody for the opportunity.”

Lewis was unanimously appointed to the position last week, edging out 11 other applicants including former mayor and councilman Don Eaton.

The council said they chose Lewis because of his experience and attitude.

“I think he brings a unique set of information and experience and thought process to this body,” said Councilman Bob Grassilli. “I feel we do have a lot of challenges in the next six months. Mr. Lewis will luckily be able to understand the process.”

The city council was left with a vacancy after the sudden heart attack of Mayor Omar Ahmad on May 10. Ahmad’s death prompted Vice-Mayor Andy Klein to serve the city as acting-Mayor. The city council decided it would wait to fill the fifth slot on the dais before publically voting on the mayoral appointment.

“It’s a great choice,” said Brad Langford, who was one of the 11 applicants Lewis beat out for the position. “I completely understand the council’s decision to choose someone who could hit the ground running .”

 Lewis is no stranger to San Carlos politics, having served previously on the council and as mayor in 2005. He said he will not run for re-election come November due to conflicts with his professional schedule as a co-producer and writer for Pixar animations.

 Raised in San Mateo, Lewis graduated from Fresno State University with a bachelor’s degree in theater arts. He worked for thirteen years as the vice-president of productions at Pacific Data Images. Lewis won an Emmy Award for graphic design, and later, an Academy Award for producing the Pixar hit film Ratatouille.

 Mayor Andy Klein welcomed Lewis back to the dais being the only of the four council members to have never served with Lewis.

“Filling a council seat of someone who was as close to us as Mr. Ahmad is such a daunting task,” said Klein. “I’m glad we get a chance to work together. I’m really happy you’re up here with us. I think it’s good for the city.”

Councilman Randy Royce also mentioned Ahmad in his statements welcoming Lewis to the dais.

“No one but him [Ahmad] could have created the momentum on this entire council that will carry us through this next year,” Royce said. “We have the momentum. And hopefully we have the teamwork so we can continue to dream.”