Answer:  Unlike San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland, the role of mayor in most California cities is unpaid (or paid only a small stipend) and rotates annually among the elected city council members.  I was unanimously elected by my city council colleagues to be Mayor for 2007, a responsibility I was honored to accept.  The concept is that, as volunteers, we can put our families, jobs, and financial obligations on hold for a single year as we fulfill the 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week duties demanded by the office.  I'm proud of what I accomplished in my year as Mayor!  And, I'm equally proud to pass the gavel to Mayor Andy Cohen for 2008, who is doing a fine job of carrying forward existing priorities, as well as spotlighting new issues and challenges.

 

I thank as well Vice Mayor Heyward Robinson and Councilmen John Boyle and Richard Cline for their unflagging dedication and service to the community.