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“In towns and cities... there is no more important institution than the local paper.”
Warren Buffett
Mayor Steve Jones
Webster’s dictionary defines “transition” as change, a movement from one state, stage, place, or subject to another, and transition defines La Mirada this past year while I served as Mayor.
In 2011 we went from a council with a collective experience of 58 years to one with 14 years. Our new members, Pauline Deal, Steve de Ruse, and Larry Mowles, have been successful in making this transition seamless. They have brought strong values, have contributed good ideas and, along with Mayor-pro-tem Gabe Garcia, have made significant contributions to our city.
Another transition we had to make was going from a city with a Redevelopment Agency to one without. Along with this change and other factors have come major financial challenges that we are meeting and will continue to meet. The best way citizens can keep up to date with these developments is through their preferred news source.
This past year La Mirada continued to provide its residents with a safe, financially solvent city, which provides a wide variety of services enhancing the quality of life. Splash! La Mirada Aquatics Center provided a record number of people with recreation, fitness, and competition. The La Mirada Theater for the Performing Arts had another outstanding year in providing high quality entertainment.
There was significant progress made with ongoing projects this past year. Improvements were made to roads around Interstate 5 in preparation for its widening. The grade separation at Valley View Avenue and Stage Road has progressed and construction should begin before the end of the year. Work has continued in the Foster Park residential neighborhood for infrastructure improvements.
It has been an honor to preside over our city for the past 12 months. It has been rewarding to work with the other members of the City Council, advisory bodies, and our wonderful staff as we continue to make La Mirada a city where people love to live, work, and play.
Steve Jones
Mayor, La Mirada
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