The Hollister City Council continues its mayoral rotation Dec.
1, when Councilman Tony Bruscia will likely be approved as the next
mayor of Hollister.
The Council votes for a new mayor each year in early December
and the vice mayor has historically taken the reins.
The Hollister City Council continues its mayoral rotation Dec. 1, when Councilman Tony Bruscia will likely be approved as the next mayor of Hollister.
The Council votes for a new mayor each year in early December and the vice mayor has historically taken the reins.
Bruscia has been vice mayor – also a position approved by the Council’s majority vote – since Brian Conroy was approved as mayor in December 2002.
Bruscia on Monday acknowledged his likely nomination to the position – the holder of which oversees Council meetings and acts as a spokesperson for the city. Bruscia, 35, was elected to his first Council term in 2000.
“I’m really glad it’s coming at the end of my four years on the Council,” Bruscia said. “It’s given me the opportunity to learn the job and the opportunity to represent the community in an even greater fashion.”
His approval, however, is not assured. The Council is not legally obligated to appoint the vice mayor – his approval requires a majority vote. But Council members have said they plan to elect Bruscia, who can also vote for himself.
Since Geri Johnson started as the deputy city clerk 18 years ago, a Council failed to approve a vice mayor as the ensuing mayor only once, she said.
“I don’t anticipate any opposition,” Councilwoman Pauline Valdivia said. “We don’t need that kind of stuff right now. We’ve got too much work to do.”
As mayor, Bruscia would be responsible for overseeing each of the semi-monthly scheduled Council meetings, along with special sessions that arise. He also would attend functions on behalf of the city and take part in parades and other civic events.
“The mayor is the figurehead for the city, the person we all look to,” City Manager Dale Shaddox said, “to speak for us and be our leader for the year.”
Bruscia already has some experience in the mayoral role. He oversaw several meetings and attended other events – such as a dinner last week to honor visitors from Hollister’s sister city, Takino, Japan – in Conroy’s absence.
Despite Conroy’s 11 missed meetings as mayor in 2003, Bruscia and other Council members commended his leadership Monday.
“I know he missed a lot of meetings, but he did an excellent job for us,” Councilman Robert Scattini said.
Regarding Bruscia’s likely appointment, Scattini acknowledged he and the expected incoming mayor have disagreed on several issues during the past year. Nevertheless, Scattini said he planned to vote for Bruscia on Monday and called him “dedicated to city business.”
“Our meetings might be longer,” Scattini said with a hint of sarcasm. “He likes to jabber a lot. He likes to ramble on. But all in all, I think he’ll do a good job.”
It is uncertain who would be the next vice mayor and the subsequent mayor starting in late 2004. But Scattini or Valdivia would likely get the nod, according to Council members. Valdivia was mayor for one year during her first term – she was re-elected for a second term in 2002. And this is Scattini’s first term. He was also elected in 2002.
Councilman Tony LoBue declined comment for this story.
Conroy did not return phone calls Monday.
