Just how tough is to be mayor of a city? We try to answer that question in story on Sunday.
But for those at or watching Whittier’s reorganization meeting Tuesday, you might have got a flavor and here’s a recap of some of the comments.
Outgoing Mayor Joe Vinatieri talked about his wife, Sandy, and how she’s probably happy the year is over.
“She’s got a smile on her face,” he said. “There have been a lot of nights, mornings and days I wasn’t around,” he said as he gave flowers to her. “There’s a lot of hours and a lot of time I come home grumpy and she listens.”
Vinatieri said he believes it was important that he did make to an estimated 250 events last year. “During these difficult times, I find it’s important for the mayor to be around,” he said. “They want to know the mayor is out and doing the business of government and knowing their council is there to help them.”
Vinatieri’s colleagues were impressed and a little worried about the precedent he set.
“You gave a lousy example of how a mayorship should be run,” joked Bob Henderson, the new mayor. “I don’t intend to try and beat that.” But his work also was much appreciated by the community and the council, Henderson added.
To Henderson, Vinatieri had just a few words, “It’s your turn Bob.”
Councilman Owen Newcomer said it was tiring just watching Vinatieri.
Councilman Greg Nordbak said he’s glad it’s Henderson, not him who is following Vinatieri.
“In my 15 previous years I’ve never seen a mayor do a better job and be at more places,” Nordbak said.
“You were like the energizer bunny and that includes the three years I served as mayor,” he said. “I know your family and business have suffered. You have kept us proud.”
Cathy Warner, who has served on the council or on school boards for the last 20 years, said she’s never seen anything like it.
