Sierra Madre City Council Selects John Buchanan as Mayor in Reorganization

It was a night of celebration and honor during Tuesday’s City Council meeting with the election of  John Buchanan as the new mayor and appreciation given to Joe Mosca for his service as mayor this past year. In addition, Council member Josh Moran was elected to take over Buchanan’s post as Mayor Pro Tem. 

Mayor Mosca received Certificates of Appreciation from the offices of  Representative David Dreier, Senator Bob Huff, Assemblyman Tim Donnelly and County Supervisor Michael  Antonovich as well as praise from incoming mayor Buchanan.

“Your leadership this past year has been nothing short of remarkable and you  have been such a positive face for our city even in difficult and challenging times where decisions have created angst in our community, you have gone through it with grace and style and a positive outlook,” Buchanan said. 

Mosca thanked his family for their support including his partner, Matt Bosse and sons Garrett (3 yrs) and Devan (4 mos). He also thanked Council for their support, especially Buchanan.

“After several years on the City Council he still gives it 100 percent. He is very committed,” Mosca said of Buchanan. “He has given me a lot of advice and helped me out a lot during this year.” Mosca also thanked the Sierra Madre community for their support. 

Mosca recapped his time as mayor by pointing out progress made in the city including street repairs, improvements to the police and fire departments, the passing of the and creation of the Green Committee. He also stood by Council’s decision on raising water rates, which he noted was “hard to talk about,” but necessary. Mosca concluded by saying how humbled he is to be given the opportunity to serve as mayor and moved forward to elect John Buchanan as his replacement. 

“There’s but one reason anyone should seek and hold elected office...that is to do good,” Buchanan said. “Being a council member or mayor is not a prize to be won. It’s not a title to hold. It is a chance to do good,” he said.

Buchanan noted the importance of Sierra Madre remaining a full service city with its own police force, improved fire department and added paramedic unit. “It is our task as a council and as a community to provide a sustainable bundle of community services that say much about who were are and what we value,” Buchanan said.
This is Buchanan’s second time around as the city’s mayor. City Council will have its first full meeting with Mayor Buchanan when they reconvene on May 10th.