Haines, Parry bid farewell




Derek Ross

Derek Ross


Deena Parry and Todd Haines officially ended their long service on the Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council at the Dec. 16 MAC meeting, making way for newly elected members Mike McReynolds and Derek Ross.

During the group’s last meeting of the year, Parry and Haines, both of whom chose not to seek reelection, were commended by fellow council members and Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks for their dedication to the community.

Parks swore in McReynolds and Ross, who said they looked forward to working for the community.

“We want to be there for you if you have any questions,” Parks said. “I look forward to working with you and wish you all the best.”

In the November election, Ross earned more than 35 percent of the total vote. McReynolds received nearly 31 percent despite announcing his withdrawal from the race several weeks before the election.

McReynolds had been seriously injured in the Sept. 12 Metrolink commuter train crash and was beginning a more than two-month recovery. It was too late to remove his name from the ballot, but after he was elected, McReynolds decided to serve.

“I realize I have very large shoes to fill,” McReynolds said.

Three other candidates also ran for the two MAC seats.

Parry, who served for eight years, and Haines, who served for 13, thanked the council and residents for their support.

“I really have enjoyed serving the community,” Parry said. “Congratulations to Derek and Mike. I know you guys will do a great job.”

Council members wished Parry and Haines well.

“I’m going to miss Deena and Todd and their experience,” MAC Chair Jay Kapitz said. “Having them not next to us is going to be a gap. . . . It’s going to be a learning experience.”

The MAC will hold its annual reorganization at its next meeting on Jan. 27.

A new chair and vice chair will be chosen, and elections will be held for the Oak Park Parks and Recreation Committee.

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