“We have so much to do,” Santa Maria mayor tells new council

With Santa Maria at a pivotal moment, the City Council welcomed back its mayor and council member as well as a political newcomer at Tuesday night’s reorganization meeting.

Mayor Alice Patino and District 1 Councilman Carlos Escobedo began their new four-year terms, while retired Warden Gloria Flores took the stage Tuesday after defeating District 2 incumbent Mike Cordero, in the elections of November 5.

Near the start of the meeting, the panel also bid farewell to Cordero, a retired police lieutenant. He spent 12 years on the council starting in 2008 and was recognized with a proclamation of appreciation.

After taking the oath of office with his four grandchildren nearby and other family members in the audience, Patino spoke about the work ahead of the council in Santa Barbara County’s largest city.

“We have a big city. We have so much to do because we have to figure out how we’re going to grow, where we’re going to put all the schools,” Patino said. “We’re going to have to welcome about 30,000 more people into our community whether we like it or not. »

Additionally, city leaders will need to find new housing, businesses and parks.

“We have a lot to do, the five of us sitting here, in the next few years,” she said.

Patino has been a member of the city council since 2000 and began swinging the gavel as the city’s first female mayor in 2012.

Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino takes the oath of office Tuesday evening while her grandchildren Tanner and Sophia stand behind her and her grandchildren Gabriela and Dominic lead her in the oath of office. Credit: Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo

Escobedo was sworn in for his second four-year term on the council, followed by Flores, who was sworn in by San Luis Obispo County Prosecutor Dan Dow.

“I am truly honored to once again be entrusted with the responsibility of being your voice on this board,” Escobedo said. “And I will continue to work on your demands, advocate for you, and promote the improvements we need to make the city a better place for our families.”

Like the other winners, Flores thanked voters and their friends and family for their support.

“I’m ready to work,” Flores said.

Patino and Flores begin their new terms having received the most votes individually in their races, but not the support of the majority of those who voted.

Patino received 43.8%, while the other three candidates had 55.9%. Likewise, Flores got 35%, while Cordero and another challenger, Benjamin Ortiz, together got almost 65%.

The meeting also marked the first for new City Manager David Rowlands, who arrived in Santa Maria after leading Fillmore in Ventura County.

Returning Santa Maria City Councilman Carlos Escobedo, representing District 1, is joined by his parents, Maria and Jose Escobedo, for Tuesday evening’s swearing-in. Credit: Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo

In addition to preparing for growth, the city faces a huge budget deficit that will force it to make difficult decisions about whether to make budget cuts or increase revenue. The council will take up the issue in February.

Santa Maria also faces significant labor strife as firefighters fight for pay raises. Santa Maria Firefighters Local 2020 invested thousands of dollars in campaigns, supporting three candidates, none of whom won.

New Santa Maria City Councilwoman Gloria Flores, second from right, poses with her family and San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow, back left, after being sworn in Tuesday evening. Credit: Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo

While residents spoke out in support of the firefighters, the council remained mostly silent.

City Attorney Thomas Watson said the firefighters filed a complaint with the Public Employees Retirement System, alleging a violation by the city. This, in turn, stalled the mediation process, he argued, adding that firefighters could withdraw the violation allegation to allow mediation to move forward.

“At this point, the city cannot move forward,” Watson said, “and I would not recommend it.”