The Santa Maria City Council chambers were packed with supporters and city residents on Dec. 18 who were eager to see returning and new members of the council sworn in.
But before re-elected Councilmember Etta Waterfield and newly elected Gloria Soto were sworn in to represent their respective districts, the council issued a proclamation honoring retiring Councilmember Jack Boysen for his service to the city. Boysen, who plans to move away from town with his wife, thanked the city staff, council members, and the community for the honors.
“It has truly been my pleasure to serve the citizens of Santa Maria for the past eight years,” he said. “Congratulations to Gloria Soto, who will fill this seat next. … You are joining a great and caring council. Learn from them; I know I have.”
Boysen remarked on his time serving on the council and on other committees, and shared a list of parting items he hoped the council would stay focused on. Topics included more bike paths in the city, housing, the H-2A program, collaboration with local nonprofits, and “keeping the downtown specific plan moving.”
“Most of all I’ve learned that public service is more than making budgetary decisions and providing essential services,” Boysen said. “It’s about charting a future and laying a foundation that will enrich the lives of the community that we serve for decades to come.”
Council members gave comments on Boysen’s service, with Mayor Alice Patino saying, “He educated us, on the council,” on several issues like homelessness in the city and best budgetary practices.
After Boysen stepped off the dais, it was time to swear in Waterfield to represent Santa Maria’s District 4. Waterfield brought her Bible from home for the ceremony, she said, and her husband, Buck Waterfield, held the gold-leafed tome as she repeated the oath from Santa Maria Chief Deputy City Clerk Rhonda Garietz.
Waterfield returned to the dais and thanked city residents during her opening remarks as a twice-elected member of the Council.
“I am so grateful to the city of Santa Maria. You have placed your trust in me, given me a second opportunity to represent the entire city of Santa Maria,” Waterfield said. “This is a job I do not take lightly. … I will continue to do my best.”
Waterfield also thanked her challenger, Rafael “Rafa” Gutierrez, during her opening remarks as well, saying “you had me running a good race, and I appreciate that.” She continued to thank her campaign staff, husband, “incredible people I’ve met here, and incredible mentors.”
When it came time to swear in Soto, the 28-year-old nonprofit administrator invited her 4-year-old niece, Lucy, to hold her hand while she recited the oath. The council chambers thundered with applause and a standing ovation as Soto finished and signed the official paperwork.Â
Soto ran against current Councilmember Dr. Michael Moats for Boysen’s vacated seat in District 3, overtaking Moats’ early election night lead to win the district by nearly 400 votes with a progressive platform, grassroots campaign, and a focus on a more open and receptive city government.
“This election was one for the history books,” Councilmember Soto said in her opening remarks. “For the first time, Santa Marians had the chance to elect council members by district, giving me the opportunity to engage with voters that would not have been possible in a citywide election.Â
“During the campaign, we heard people’s stories, struggles, and visions for Santa Maria; we were able to communicate with constituents who haven’t been spoken to,” she added. “We listened to their concerns, which can’t be addressed until they are heard. And most importantly, we reminded people that their voices and their votes are powerful, and that they can make a difference.”
Soto continued to say she hoped to work with the rest of the council and city staff on issues like housing, bringing living-wage jobs to Santa Maria, expanding programs for youth, and “bringing back Santa Maria-style barbecue down Broadway.”
This article appears in Dec 27, 2018 – Jan 3, 2019.
