SACRAMENTO — Scotts Valley Council Member Stephany Aguilar last Friday became the president of the League of California Cities. She succeeds former Arroyo Grande Mayor Tony Ferrara who was not re-elected last month. Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Dennis Michael, who has served as second vice president since September, also advances to League first vice president with Lodi Council Member JoAnne Mounce advancing to second vice president. San Francisco Treasurer José Cisneros remains immediate past president.
Under the League’s bylaws a president who is no longer in city office is automatically succeeded by the first vice president, and the League board of directors elects a new first vice president. The League board of directors held the election in conjunction with its Nov. 13-14 board meeting in Sacramento, electing Mayor Michael to succeed Council Member Aguilar as first vice president and Council Member Mounce, formerly a director at-large, to succeed Mayor Michael as second vice president. All will hold their offices until the League’s Annual Conference in fall 2015.
“Having an opportunity to be actively involved with shaping new legislation for California cities is a vital focus for myself and the League’s board of directors,” remarked Council Member Aguilar. “I am honored to serve as League president and work with my colleagues from throughout California to advocate for stronger local control and fiscal stability for our cities. California cities continue to engage in crucial issues, including how to create policies that support stronger economic development.”
First elected to the Scotts Valley City Council in 1996, Council Member Aguilar has also served three terms as mayor. Holding a master’s degree in Communication Studies from San Jose State University, Council Member Aguilar’s professional background includes education along with personnel and training for a public safety agency. She serves on the boards of the California Council of Governments and Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments. Council Member Aguilar is a graduate of the League’s California Civic Leadership Institute and Mayors and Council Members Leadership Academy, as well as the Great Valley Leadership Institute, Leadership Santa Cruz and Agri-Culture. San Jose State University’s Department of Communication Studies recently honored Aguilar with the “Outstanding Alumni Award” where she delivered the department’s convocation speech.
League Executive Director Chris McKenzie congratulated Council Member Aguilar. “Stephany is well versed in fiscal and environmental issues, and she has worked closely on public safety priorities. Cities are dealing with critical water, land use, pension reform and economic recovery challenges, and discussions will continue on these topics as the next legislative session begins. Stephany has a great understanding of these issues within her community of Scotts Valley and the broader region, and she will be a key player in advocating future legislation to benefit for all California cities.”
Founded in 1898, the League of California Cities is an association of California city officials who work together to enhance their knowledge and skills, exchange information, and combine resources so that they may influence policy decisions that affect cities. The League’s mission is to restore and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians