[ Excerpt from: "Council returns to action with swearing-in ceremony," BY ERIC LINDBERG, DAILY SOUND, January 8, 2008 ]
With patriotic bunting lining the dais, the Santa Barbara City Council welcomed a new face to their ranks while sending off a familiar one with heartfelt thanks...
“I’m going to miss it,” [Brian] Barnwell said...
Describing his time on the Council as a lifelong honor, Barnwell thanked the public, city staff and his colleagues on the dais, as well as his wife and family...
He also took the opportunity to highlight a few problems he sees facing the community of Santa Barbara. In addition to dealing with a slowing economy and financial troubles, he said the Council has to find out a way to inform the public about the good deeds they accomplish.
“I’m troubled by the coverage that we get in the [Santa Barbara] News-Press,” he said. “I don’t think it reports what we do. I would like to suggest we create some formalized way we can respond so we don’t just take it on the chops when we do all the excellent work and we don’t get recognition.”
Even as he leaves his seat on the Council, Barnwell plans to stick around the local political scene...
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you, Brian,” Mayor Marty Blum said. “Your passion and intelligence just come through.”
Schneider said although his votes occasionally made her jaw drop, he is going to leave behind an illustrious legacy of spearheading the city’s sustainability program.
“I know that’s where all your decisions come from, your passion and love for this town,” Schneider said...
“You have been serving this community in so many ways,” [Iya Falcone] said. “I don’t expect you to stop.”
Photo courtesy of RachelThen, Francisco, Schneider and Williams, with celebratory roses pinned to their lapels, stepped forward and raised their right hand to take the affirmation of allegiance. Each received a certificate of election and congratulations from dozens of people that packed the Council Chambers to witness the ceremony...
Williams, delivering his remarks after Schneider, thanked the public for their support despite his young and eccentric nature, and urged them to continue to be involved in local issues.
“To meet the challenges in the years ahead, and there are some big ones … will take the participation of the whole community and will take sacrifice and hard work,” Williams said...
Later in the meeting, the Councilmembers also hashed out various positions and liaisons each will take during the next four years. Councilmember Grant House will serve as mayor pro tempore, the only member other than Francisco who hasn’t held the position.
The Council’s Ordinance Committee will consist of Francisco, House and Williams, while Councilmembers Roger Horton, Falcone and Schneider will serve on the Finance Committee.
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For full text of this article, please go to:
DAILY SOUND: Swearing In"Labels: Brian Barnwell, budget, committees
Photo courtesy of Rachel
Photo courtesy of Rachel
Photo Courtesy of Rachel
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