Hamby joins council, Nava new mayor
BRAWLEY — City council here selected a new mayor and mayor pro-tem while it also welcomed new council member Luke Hamby during a regular meeting Tuesday.
George A. Nava was nominated as the new city mayor by outgoing Mayor Sam Couchman and was selected unanimously by the council. Donald L. Wharton then was selected to serve as mayor pro-tem by Couchman and a unanimous vote from the council. The votes were done after Council welcomed Hamby who beat former council member Helen Noriega during November’s election. During the meeting, the Council also swore-in incumbent Couchman and Hamby. Couchman has been on the city council since 2009.
“I’m excited and humbled to be able to serve the city in this capacity,” said Hamby. “I haven’t experienced a lot of elation or feeling of victory because all I can think about is the work that’s ahead of me. I know there’s a lot of that needs to be done.” Noriega is hopeful for what the future holds for her. “It saddens me to have to leave, but one of thing I truly believe is God has a place for all of us. When one door closes, another opens,” expressed Noriega on her departure.
“I still have life in me and I still want to help. One way or another, I’m still going to be out there.”
Noriega received certificates of appreciation from offices of Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia and state Sen. Ben Hueso, along with a plaque in recognition of her service from the council.
After hearing the results of Nava being nominated as mayor, Noriega spoke to council as a citizen, expressing her belief that prejudice was a part of the election.
“I don’t believe we’re a team because when it comes to things like this, we act like there’s nobody else but you three (Couchman, Nava, Wharton) to take the mayor and mayor-pro term. There’s two other people who sit on this board,” stated Noriega, who pointed out that Nava, who has served on the council since 2007, was already mayor in 2011 and 2014.
“We need to rotate, it’s not fair to the rest.”
Wharton then responded to Noriega’s concerns, stating every council member during a fouryear term is guaranteed to serve as mayor proterm.
“When the voters speak and we go by election order, it takes out the guess work and it clearly makes it clear of when you will be mayor pro-term or rotate,” said Wharton.