Redlands Sends Aguilar off to Washington

The Redlands City Council at its Dec. 16 meeting recognized Congressman-elect Pete Aguilar as he prepared to head to Washington. Former Mayor Aguilar tendered his resignation to the City Council, effective Dec. 15. Aguilar will be sworn in to represent California’s 31st Congressional District on Jan. 6. Aguilar said, “I want to thank everybody for the support and the friendship throughout this process. It has been an amazing ride, and there is no finer title that I can or will be given than that of colleague to these people sitting up here serving on this council. Serving this city was such an amazing experience and gift, and I’ve been honored to share that.” Aguilar first joined the council in 2006 after he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the council at that time. Councilwoman Pat Gilbreath was the council member who nominated him for the seat, after having worked with Aguilar on a transportation measure, she recalled. “Pete was one of the nominees that... came in and was applying for the position. I nominated him the first time and he was not chosen, and we could not get to an agreement, so I nominated him a second time, and he was chosen... It was a pleasure working with you, Pete,” Gilbreath said Tuesday. Mayor Pro Tem Jon Harrison said the city had seen great progress with Aguilar on the council, especially in the last four years as Aguilar served as the city’s mayor. “I think your ability to seek input and share ideas, whether it was at the dais (or) speaking with individuals in the community about issues...is something I think distinguishes your abilities as a leader,” Harrison said. Councilmember Paul Barich called Aguilar a “friend of business.” Barich added, “If any man was bred to be a congressman, this gentleman has been and I know we can expect some good things out of him.” Mayor Paul Foster also echoed Harrison’s sentiment that Aguilar and the council have contributed to the city Redlands is today. “Pete’s legacy to all of us,” Foster said, is “reflected in the stability of our city’s finances and infrastructure that we now are rehabilitating throughout the community...I’m convinced that Pete will bring that spirit to Washington, D.C. and to our district.” Mark Kaenel, chairman of Inland Action, an organization of business and civic leaders who promote economic development in the Inland Empire, presented Aguilar with a photograph composed of several photographs taken by Redlands-based photographer Stephen Wormser of portions of the 31st Congressional District combined to create one panoramic photograph showing the area from Yucaipa through Highland. Aguilar was also presented with a plaque of recognition for his time served on the council, as well as a framed art piece depicting Redlands’s Lincoln Shrine and incorporating the city’s 125th anniversary logo, designed by Redlands-based artist Janet Edwards. Aguilar closed, “This is a fine collection of city staff members and department directors who help the council out... and I’m just honored to have played a role in the past few years. My colleagues, I miss them a ton already and I look forward to what’s ahead, but thank you so much for the opportunity.”