Nakanishi named Lodi mayor
Councilman Alan Nakanishi was chosen to serve as the mayor of Lodi for the third time when the council reorganized during its Wednesday night meeting.
The vote was unanimous. Councilwoman JoAnne Mounce was chosen as Mayor Pro Tempore in a 3 to 2 vote after Councilman Doug Kuehne, the former mayor, nominated Mounce and Nakanishi seconded the nomination. However, Councilman Bob Johnson nominated Councilman Mark Chandler for the position. Nakanishi, Mounce and Kuehne voted for Mounce.
After being chosen as mayor, Nakanishi said that he was deeply honored and thankful to be chosen as mayor. He acknowledged Kuehne for an “outstanding” job as mayor during the past year.
“You showed enthusiasm energy and a big smile where ever you went,” he said of Kuehne.
He acknowledged Mounce for being a great leader, citing her service with the League of California Cities and her efforts as a crusader for the Eastside of Lodi. He then acknowledged Chandler for his expertise on Lodi Electric Utility policy and his services on the Northern California Power Agency board. He described Johnson as a fighter who keeps the council straight and speaks his mind.
“I believe this is the most complementary group of council members that I’ve ever served with,” Nakanishi said before thanking city staff for their hard work.
After City Manager Steve Schwabauer recognized him for his service as mayor, Kuehne thanked his wife for her support and presented her with a bouquet of flowers. He also thanked city staff for their hard work ethic and the department heads for everything that they do.
“This is an amazing city and I can’t tell you how proud I am to have been the mayor this year and how thankful I am for the council’s confidence in me and to be able to fulfill this term. It’s been my joy and my pleasure, and I will miss it,” Kuehne said.
Before passing on the gavel, Kuehne presented Paula Leary and Bill Moersch with the Mayor’s Community Service Award. Leary and Moersch also received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Stockton.
According to Kuehne, Leary volunteered with the Pregnancy Resource Center from 2002-2005 before being hired as the parenting program coordinator in 2006, and was later hired as the executive director in 2007.
“I’m honored to get this award,” Leary said. “I think it may be one of the highlights of my life. This is the first time I’ve ever received an award from the mayor before so thank you so much.”
Moersch has had extensive involvement in the community. He serves on the Pregnancy Resource Center board of directors, volunteers with the Salvation Army and Love Lodi, conducts resume and interview coaching and is involved in several other community organizations.
Moersch was thankful for the support he had received in his work.
“As I receive (this award), I receive it on behalf of a team not just myself. This doesn’t happen without a team,” Moersch said.
Kuehne also recognized retiring Senior Citizen Commission member
Robert Anderson for his service and presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation from both the city and McNerney. Retirees from other boards and commission were also acknowledged during the meeting.
Also on Wednesday night, Stephen Qualls from the League of California Cities recognized Mounce for her service with the group. Over the years, Mounce has held numerous positions in the league — most notably serving as president for 2016-17. She is currently the immediate past president.
“It truly has been my honor to be able to serve on the board of directors, of course, as president. The last time that someone from the City of Lodi served in this capacity was in 1952,” Mounce said. “I was truly honored to be able to represent 482 cities in the state of California and to work hard in the interest of not only the Central Valley but the whole state of California.”
She thanked Schwabauer for his efforts to tackle the pension crisis, Janice Magdich for her support and Jennifer Ferraiolo for her help with travel arrangements.