Outgoing Redondo Beach City Councilman Chris Cagle rattled off a long list of goodbyes and thank-yous last night before giving up his leather swivel chair to newly elected Councilman Bill Brand.
For Cagle, who is termed out, the lengthy speech before a packed house was a departure from his normally quiet and succinct style on the dais -- and at least one colleague took notice.
"You talked more up here (tonight) than you have for the last six years," Councilman Steve Aspel joked at one point. "Please, stay away from the council meetings."
As usual, the city's post-election changing of the guard festivities involved hand-shakes, hugs, corny jokes and sugary sheet cake with the city logo. And gifts.
City Manager Bill Workman gave Cagle a green Redondo Beach street sign bearing his name. And Cagle handed out CDs from country western singer Chris Cagle, who sings "My Love Goes On and On" -- "so you can play that when you're missing me," the Redondo Beach Cagle said.
His seat didn't stay empty for long.
Brand, who last month dodged a runoff election by beating his three opponents, including Cagle's wife, received loud applause after taking his oath with family members by his side.
He mentioned four reasons why he believes District 2 voters elected him, including his pursuit of a park and open space around the waterfront AES plant.
"It's going to be a big complicated project," Brand said. "It's going to take a long time. But Redondo Beach can do it."
Also getting sworn in last night were a handful of familiar faces: District 4 Councilman Steve Diels, District 1 Councilman Aspel, City Attorney Mike Webb and Mayor Mike Gin, who ran unopposed.
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