The new Turlock City Council, entrusted with guiding the city through 2014, was seated on Tuesday.
Newcomer Steven Nascimento was sworn-in Tuesday alongside returning Councilmember Amy Bublak in front of a crowd of family, friends, and notable Turlockers. Both were elected on Nov. 6.
“Welcome Steven, happy to have you up here,” Mayor John Lazar said as the council was seated. “And welcome Amy, happy to have you back.”
Just before being seated, all members of council took an oath of ethics, stating that they would serve their city and live upright and honest lives. Turlock is the only city in California with the tradition, since Bublak first implemented the oath in 2008.
“I wish you the greatest success in the coming years, and I know you will serve the city and the community of Turlock well,” said Judge Shawn Bessey after administering the oath.
After taking his seat at the dais, Nascimento thanked those in attendance, and said he is excited to get to work.
“I'm really looking forward to working with the council,” Nascimento said. “It's an honor to serve with you all.”
Bublak was also ready to start her second term, sharing hopes that the economy will recover and that the council can continue to help make Turlock great.
“I'm humbled by the support,” Bublak said. “I'm looking forward to four more years.”
Outgoing Councilwoman Mary Jackson did not attend Tuesday’s meeting. According to Lazar, Jackson was at home caring for a sick child.
The council had intended to honor Jackson with a proclamation noting the good work she did during her four-year tenure on council, particularly with the Turlock Certified Farmers Market and the Carnegie Arts Center.
“Mary’s passion has been Turlock,” Lazar said. “… We hope she’ll continue her efforts and work on behalf of Turlock.”
Jackson will be presented with the proclamation at a later date.
The fourth and final candidate in the race, postal worker Sergio Alvarado, congratulated the other candidates on a good campaign during the public comment section of Tuesday’s meeting.
“It was a very positive race and I enjoyed the whole experience,” Alvarado said.
Bublak urged Alvarado to remain involved by assuming a vacant Turlock committee seat, perhaps the seat on the Parks, Recreation, and Community Programs Commission previously held by Nascimento.
The Turlock City Council will not meet again until the New Year. The next meeting of council is currently scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 8, 2013, in the Yosemite Room of Turlock City Hall.
