Mayor Terry Tornek (Photo – Jason Hardin).
On the Monday evening of May 4th, 2015, the City of Roses swore in its first new mayor in 16 years. Succeeding Bill Bogaard, Terry Tornek has become only the second publicly elected mayor in Pasadena’s recent history.
By Jason Hardin
Tornek, a former Pasadena Planning Director and District 7 City Councilman, beat out 5 mayoral candidates in the March 10th primary, then went on to defeat Vice Mayor Jacque Robinson, in the general election runoff by nearly 1,500 votes.
Farewell
The 3 part ceremonial evening began with a council meeting which contained only one thing on the agenda, the adoption of a resolution which would accept the Certificate of Canvass. This gave members of the public and Council the opportunity to express their farewells to outgoing Mayor Bill Bogaard and Vice Mayor Jacque Robinson. Councilmembers McAustin, Kennedy, Tornek, Masuda, and Gordo, all had nothing but wonderful things to say about their departing colleagues. Many also congratulated Robinson on her recent engagement to fiancé, Marcus. Perhaps the highest compliment was given by Tornek, who stated that he and Robinson would be meeting in the morning to discuss her continued involvement with the City of Pasadena.
Reception
(R to L) Mayor Terry Tornek and Councilmember Tyron Hampton (Photo – Jason Hardin).
Following the session, was an elegant reception in Pasadena City Hall’s beautiful courtyard where both outgoing and incoming mayors spoke briefly to a crowd of around 200 guests. Among some of those in attendance, was former mayoral candidate Don Morgan, Gary Moody (President, NAACP), Chris Chahinian (SGV Armenian American Democrats, Chairman), Horace Wormley (Assistant Director, Human Services & Recreation), Dolores Mendoza (Human Services & Recreation), and David Azevedo (LAUSD, District Director).
Swearing in
(R – L) First row: Vice Mayor Gene Masuda, Mayor Terry Tornek, Councilmember Margaret McAustin. Second row: Councilmember Victor M. Gordo, Councilmember Steve Madison, Councilmember Tyron Hampton, and Councilmember John J. Kennedy (Photo – Jason Hardin).
The event continued in the “Chamber Room”, where Mayor-Elect Terry Tornek and District 1 Councilmember-Elect Tyron Hampton were officially sworn into their respective offices. Mr. Tornek adjourned his first official meeting as mayor immediately after Council approved District 4 Councilman Gene Masuda, as our city’s newest Vice Mayor. Now, may the next chapter of Pasadena begin!
Jason Hardin is the President/CEO of Hardway Enterprise and publisher of Dena Magazine. He’s a dedicated individual who is passionate about helping people, improving our neighborhoods, and inspiring others to do their very best. We welcome Jason to the family of Colorado Boulevard.
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