The Ventura City Council elected the mayor and deputy mayor, promoting newcomer Mike Tracy, the former police chief and top vote-getter, to deputy mayor over Neal Andrews, who traditionally would be next in line for that position and who received the second highest vote tally in last month’s election.
“I know we’ve had differences of opinion and that he’s been the odd man out,” Councilman Carl Morehouse said while nominating Andrews, adding, “I think it’s inappropriate to shut someone out of dialog just because you dissent with them.”
The largely ceremonial title is usually based on tenure and rotation, but regular disagreements with Andrews may have prompted the council to buck tradition and select Tracy. The Ventura County Star reported:
Councilman Carl Morehouse nominated Andrews and urged his colleagues before the vote to get past their differences with Andrews, a frequent dissenter who has made a habit of voting on his principles ahead of council consensus.
Andrews opposed the ill-fated 911 fee and pressed the council to adopt spending guidelines for the defeated sales tax measure.
“Congratulations to Mr. Fulton on his selection as Mayor and to Mr. Tracy for becoming Deputy Mayor,” Andrews posted on his Facebook page. ”I wish them well, though in all honesty I foresee very difficult times over the next two years. I hope I am wrong.”
Read more at the Red County Web site.
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