Night of Farewells & Welcomes at Artesia Council Transition

Artesia welcomed the selection of new Mayor John P. Lyon and Mayor Pro Tem Sally Z. Flowers during a well-attended reorganization ceremony at the Monday.

Lyon, who takes over for Victor Manalo, said that the city is facing many challenges and is grateful to work with the Council and the city staff and, like his predecessor, will emphasize teamwork during his term.

“I’m looking forward to the challenges and I just hope that throughout this coming year… as a team we can stay strong and better the city of Artesia,” he said in his remarks after the Council selected him for a third stint as Mayor.

The ceremony also introduced as the City Council’s newest member, having been appointed along with Tony Lima for a four-year term after a lack of candidates forced the cancellation of this year’s November election.

“I am honored and humbled to be a voice for you and I am ready and willing to represent the best interests of the City of Artesia,” he said. “I’ve had 35 years to prepare for this moment. Let’s get to work!”

Fiscal responsibility was a major theme throughout the comments made by nearly all members of the City Council during the transition ceremony.

“Financial responsibility and accountability has never been so important and I urge my colleagues to work in the pursuit of self-sustainment for city of Artesia during the next four years and beyond,” re-appointed Councilman Tony Lima said as he addressed the crowd.

While it was a time to recognize a new face to the City Council and to commend new leadership, it was also a time to reflect on the past year and bid a few farewells.

Playing to the song “We Built This City” by Jefferson Starship, a slideshow of Manalo’s year as mayor emphasized his commitment to constructing new facilities in the city, encouraging a culture of volunteerism and fostering openness in local government.

After receiving numerous certificates and awards from neighboring cities, other elected officials, county departments and other organizations, Manalo gave his thanks to his family, staff and others for supporting his leadership during his stint in the Mayor’s seat.

“What I take away from this past year as Mayor is that Artesia is strong and Artesia is strong because of its people,” he said, emphasizing a city committed to volunteerism and helping people. “If you look at all the people and organizations that I acknowledged tonight and all of you that are here tonight—if you plotted that on Google Maps…you wouldn’t be able to see Artesia but Google bubbles.”

In addition to marking the end of Manalo’s mayorship, the city bid farewell to Michele L. Diaz, who filled in after the death of former Artesia Mayor Larry Nelson in May 2010. She did not seek a full term.

Like Manalo, she too received many accolades and certificates from neighboring cities, state and federal elected officials and other organizations. She thanked all her supporters, staff and Council for their support during her term.

“I’m not going away … and I’d like to be of service to the community whenever I can,” she told the audience, becoming emotional at times. “Thank you for welcoming me to the Council. I truly enjoyed serving.”