Council members take oaths in Westlake




MICHAEL COONS/The Acorn  READY TO SERVE-Newly elected Westlake Village city council members Philippa Klessig, left, and Jim Bruno are sworn in by Judge Lawrence Mira during a special meeting on Saturday at Westlake Village City Hall. Bruno and Klessig were both elected after two incumbents stepped down.

MICHAEL COONS/The Acorn READY TO SERVE-Newly elected Westlake Village city council members Philippa Klessig, left, and Jim Bruno are sworn in by Judge Lawrence Mira during a special meeting on Saturday at Westlake Village City Hall. Bruno and Klessig were both elected after two incumbents stepped down.


By Lori Porter
Acorn Staff Writer

During an annual reorganization meeting on Saturday for the Westlake Village City Council, many residents came to say goodbye to Mayor Chris Mann and City Councilwoman Betty De Santis. The farewells were shared before swearing-in ceremonies were administered to new council members and a new mayor took the gavel.


The special meeting began with goodbyes to Mann and De Santis, who were presented with gifts, plaques and letters of proclamation by various elected officials..


The comments were full of praise. Mann was cited for his moral courage and De Santis for being a role model who was full of commitment and who gave unselfish service to her city.


Newly elected council members Jim Bruno and Philippa Klessig were sworn in. Judge Lawrence Mira administered the oath.


Bruno spoke briefly, reassuring community members of his commitment to serve them.‘‘We can only do what you, the voters, empower us to do," he said.


Klessig said she was deeply honored and excited about serving Westlake Village, adding that she couldn’t wait to get to work.


Mayor Pro Tem Bob Slavin was appointed as the new mayor, with Mark Rutherford taking his place as mayor pro tem. The two men took their new seats after being sworn in and made comments about their goals.


"I’ve learned to listen to people, and in listening, I always hear how happy people are to live in this city," Slavin said. He promised that improvements such as new parks, street signs and more trees would be priorities. Slavin also hopes to enhance communication by reaching out to homeowner associations. He promised to attend HOA meetings at least three times this year.


Rutherford, known for being a man who gets to the point, said, "I want to thank the residents, the great staff here in Westlake, the council members and my family." He added that he’s excited about the work ahead.


A reception was held in the Westlake Village community room at city hall immediately following the meeting.


Chris Mann works for the Ventura County Parole Board and is looking forward to his marriage to Brenda Salas, who’s currently the mayor pro tem of Banning.


Coincidentally, De Santis and her husband are retiring and moving to Banning.


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