Hunter steps down, Parvin sworn in as mayor

SYLVIE BELMOND/Acorn Newspapers FAREWELL—Moorpark's new mayor, Janice Parvin, gives a glass plaque to outgoing mayor Patrick Hunter before a City Council meeting last Wednesday. About 100 people attended the meeting to welcome council incumbents who were reelected on Nov. 4 and say goodbye to Hunter who has served as city mayor for 16 years. Councilmembers Keith Millhouse and Roseann Mikos were also sworn in. Local officials and a room full of community representatives celebrated a changing of the guard with a ceremonious goodbye to a well-liked Moorpark leader before welcoming the city's new mayor at a City Council meeting Wednesday.

Patrick Hunter, a lieutenant with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, retired from public office after 12 years at the helm of the city. He also served a four-year term on the council from 1992 to 1996.

"My time as your mayor has ended. I always endeavored to earn your support. I hope I met your expectations," said Hunter before he stepped down from the dais for one last time. The crowd gave him a standing ovation.

Hunter, who is a composed man and a consummate professional, tried to hold back his emotions as numerous speakers praised him for a job well done.

"You're integrity is second to none," said Councilmember Keith Millhouse, adding that Hunter was a fair and compassionate leader who knew how to use humor when it was most needed."You truly epitomize someone who doesn't care about their self interest and puts the public ahead," he said.

All the other speakers echoed the sentiment, as they showered gifts and commendations on Hunter.

"People listened to what the mayor had to say," said Councilmember Roseann Mikos.

Both Mikos and Millhouse were reelected to serve another four-year term on the Council.

The city's new mayor, Janice Parvin, also enjoyed the celebrations this week. As the city's new mayor, Parvin promised to continue building on the foundations that were created by her predecessor.

"I appreciate all you taught me in the last 13 years," said Parvin, who was elected to the Council in 2002 and who served on the Parks and Recreation and the planning commissions before that.

Parvin said Moorpark is a "paradise" and as mayor, she intends to "keep Moorpark just that way."

She briefly enumerated her priorities, which include public safety, balancing the budget, serving the needs of local youths, preserving jobs and open space, and continuing to resolve traffic problems on the city's two main roads.

"Although we do face tough challenges ahead, each challenge brings us new opportunities," said Parvin, who called on residents to become more involved in local activities because communities have to help themselves to overcome difficult times.

Councilmember Mark Van Dam was selected as the new mayor pro tem.