In a few weeks, the City Council has a crucial decision to make when the Council sets the leadership for the next term. One of the first acts of the new council will be to (internally) vote on a mayor.

The new mayor should be Ramiro Valderrama. Ramiro has earned the trust of the citizens and the rest of the council should recognize that.

In November, the electorate sent a very clear signal to the City Council that the voters want a new direction. We want a City Council that is more open and transparent and a council that gives our city better leadership as we struggle with problems created by poor road planning, traffic issues and major changes to the environmental conditions and surroundings. We will have a new city manager …and we need a mayor who shares the views of the citizens and has demonstrated the ability to “mend fences”.

I sincerely hope that our City Council doesn’t ignore the voters and attempt to keep a “Gang of Four” mentality intact. Electing Ramiro Valderrama will be a much needed sign that the council  listens to the voters.