The San Marino City Council and city staff expressed an outpouring of gratitude toward outgoing Mayor Steve Talt, who moved one chair over to make way for the newly appointed Mayor Steven Huang, who previously served as vice mayor.
“I have some brief comments, primarily because I’m not going any place, I’m just going down to the end of the aisle,” joked Talt, who remains a councilman. “I still have another year with Steven until the end of my term, but I would like to thank the community for their continued support and patience. While many things can be done quickly, other policy items take a while and that gives the public an opportunity to absorb what we are doing, reflect and comment on it.”
Talt, who said he remains energized for his duty to service, took a moment to applaud his fellow council members for their camaraderie, and city staff, for having “can-do” attitudes. Without them, progress would not be possible, he said.
“While we might not agree on everything, we are rarely disagreeable,” Talt said. “Other bodies could take a lesson on how we treat each other and recognize that although we are elected officials, we are the same as the people who have elected us. We are the city of San Marino, we treat each other the same in that regard, and I appreciate that. We’ve got some things done, we’ve discussed it, argued over it, but have always walked out of here, I think, with continued respect for each other.
“Thank you very much for always finding a way to get things done. During my first time as mayor, I was told too often that we could not do something,” he added. “This time around, I was never told that, and it lessened my blood pressure significantly.”
City Manager Phillippe Eskandar and Fire Chief Mario Rueda were credited for helping to make his job a “breeze.”
“You guys led the can-do attitude, and it was reflected in just about everything that you approached this last year,” Talt said.
Lastly, Talt gave a heartwarming shout out to his team at home — his family.
“I want to thank them for understanding that sometimes I miss things, because as I’ve said: ‘Dad has to go play mayor.’ I love you guys.”
Talt was presented with a plaque of appreciation by the City Council, and the fact that he was just moving seats on the dais didn’t stop his colleagues from giving him a proper send off.
Prior to the city manager’s report, Eskandar spoke on behalf of the 140 part-time and full-time employees of City Hall.
“All of us here as staff try to carry over the passion you have for San Marino and try to find that in our work every day,” Eskandar said. “We take the stride of Council every day, and we can’t thank you enough for your commitment to this organization.”
Huang’s former role as vice mayor is now filled by Gretchen Shepherd Romey, who was appointed by the City Council. She praised Talt for his “outstanding” guidance over the city.
“You’ve always had an agenda you wanted to get done as mayor, and I appreciate that you’ve made efforts to include us in achieving those goals … and you have made it enjoyable as always,” Shepherd Romey said. “The fun part is easy for you, and I appreciate also that you have led us in directions that have improved our city. I think we are all better for it and thank you very much for your time and the effort you put in to do this.”
Councilman Tony Chou added: “It’s been a pleasure working with you and seeing you lead. I’m particularly in awe of your passion for the sense of community in this city, and I hope we can continue on the way you would want us to.”
Huang thanked Talt for the last time before officially taking the helm that evening. “I don’t want you to go,” Huang said to a friend he has worked alongside for eight years.
The incoming mayor said his mission will be to preserve the values of San Marino, make sure that it is financially stable and provide a safe environment for residents. It is a message he has stood by since the last time he was appointed to the position — precisely five years to the day.
“My Facebook today reminded me that it was five years ago exactly on this same date, on Dec. 13, that I was installed as mayor for the first time,” Huang said. “My god, what a coincidence. So, I look forward to working with all of you. Please help me as much as you can. … I knew I was going to inherit a perfect team, but I still thank you anyway.”
First published in the Dec. 21 issue of the San Marino Tribune
