City Council Picks Moran as Mayor, Walsh as Mayor Pro Tem

City Council thanked the outgoing council members, welcomed the , and selected Josh Moran as Mayor and Nancy Walsh as Mayor Pro Tem during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

During the public comments portion of the meeting, Sierra Madre residents thanked MaryAnn MacGillivray, who lost reelection this year after serving on Council for 12 years.  

“Nobody has done more for this community than you have, MaryAnn,” said one resident before giving MacGillivray a hug and handing her a bouquet of flowers.

“Your common sense approach to our town’s problems will be missed.  Thank you for all you’ve done for Sierra Madre.  We’ll miss you,” said another resident.

Following the public comments, City Council awarded outgoing City Treasurer George Enyedi, MacGillivray, Mayor John Buchanan certificates of recognition.

“He has not just been an elected official but also an individual who has lent his time to the well-being of this community. George, we’re going to have to give you that which everyone aspires to in certificates and plaques.  We deeply appreciate your service,” said Buchanan when presenting Enyedi with the certificates.

“You have done well for your community and you have done it with principle and vigor.  I want to give you my personal thanks for your service to our community,” Buchanan said when honoring MacGillivray.

Lastly, when it came to the Council honoring Buchanan, who served Council for eight years, Mayor Pro Tem Josh Moran presented certificates of recognition to him.

“John has been a tremendous leader and mentor to me and Nancy in our first two years on Council. John always approaches every problem coming to our city with incredible, thoughtful deliberation,” Moran said.

Buchanan recounted his time on Council and serving as Mayor twice for Sierra Madre.

“I want to thank you, first and foremost to the residents of Sierra Madre.  The work, I can tell you, was rewarding and the honor, I will cherish for a lifetime,” he said.

He also offered advice to the new Council.

“Take a step back and gain perspective," he said. "As a resident now, I’m counting on you. As a parting gift, I am leaving the book, The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery.  If he can deal with that, you can deal with this."

The three new Council Members along with City Treasurer Richard Mays and reelected City Clerk Nancy Shollenberger were then sworn in.

Chris Koerber, who received the most number of votes—1,535—took the oath first, followed by John Harabedian, who received 1,482 votes, and lastly, John Capoccia, who received 1,446 votes.

Towards the end of the meeting, Josh Moran was nominated as Mayor of Sierra Madre and Nancy Walsh as Mayor Pro Tem.  Everyone on Council was in favor of the nominations and the motions were carried.

“This is an honor and privilege that I don’t take lightly. I’d like to thank everyone who supported me when I ran two years ago,” expressed Moran.

“It’s going to take a lot of work on everyone’s part.  I’m looking forward to it.  I am happy to be your Mayor Pro Tem,” said Walsh.