Sue McSweeney reflects on her service to the city
Spent two years as mayor
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

Outgoing Westlake Village mayor Sue McSweeney painted a bright future for the city as she held the gavel for the final time at last week's City Council reorganization meeting.

McSweeney reviewed the year's accomplishments, which included landscape improvements along Lindero Canyon and Agoura roads, the painting of the Lindero Canyon bridge and the formation of a committee to explore a sister city partnership with a community in France.

Projects involving a new sidewalk master plan, the unveiling of a new city video offering safety tips for kids riding public buses and the awarding of contracts to improve three city parks were also noted.

She expressed excitement over the construction of a row of restaurants, including a Wolfgang Puck, next to the recently opened Dakota Steakhouse on Lindero Canyon Road. The restaurant project is expected to be completed in mid-2008.

The city's 25th anniversary celebration at the Four Seasons also was a highlight, McSweeney said. She recalled the comments of the late Berniece Bennett, who is credited with founding the city. Bennett died last month at age 75.

In stepping down as mayor, McSweeney sought to send a message.

"Our city has such a beautiful, deep history of friendship and neighborliness," she said. "The important part is the people. They are what made Westlake Village great in 1983 and what continues to make Westlake Village great today."

Philippa Klessig, elected to a second council term, succeeds McSweeney as mayor. She commended her predecessor for making the city more accessible and "fun" over her two years as mayor. She referred to the live online video available of City Council meetings, and new community events.

"It's more than being a leader," Klessig told McSweeney. "You were the calming influence we needed. You could talk both to the community and your colleagues with ease."

The council presented McSweeney a crystal gavel for her leadership manner, including always ending meetings "on a happy note." The delicate gavel is "a symbol of Sue's generous, calm style which we appreciate," Klessig said. "Only she would be able to wield this at every meeting."