NEXT UP……CHOOSING A NEW MAYOR
It’s amazing that Scott Farnam’s term as mayor of Wildomar is nearly over. And now comes a dicey problem. Who will replace him? As a public service, and, as usual, at no charge to the public, Zak Turango will lay out the choices for your contemplation only, since only the five sitting council members get to vote for mayor. We are all mere non-voting observers.
First and most obvious, is Mayor Pro Tempore Bridgette Moore, pronounced “pro tem,” a latin phrase meaning “for the time being.” She was the second highest vote-getter to Wildomar’s First Mayor Bob Cashman’s highest vote count. However, this time last year, Council member Marsha Swanson made a surprise motion, nominating Farnam for Mayor. A quick second and a 4-1 vote made Farnam the Mayor. (Cashman nominated and voted for himself, which was unsuccessful).
Nevertheless, in a world where substantive qualifications may not matter, Moore publically admitted that land use issues were not her “forte” (French for “strong point”), a world where her soulish connection to the single most powerful political entity in Wildomar, Cornerstone Community Church, does not give residents sufficient pause, Mayor Pro Tempore Moore appears to be in line to be the next mayor. Just because it ’s her turn.
Second, neither Cashman and Farnam, having already served, would dare be so boorish as to fantasize another term while others have yet to serve as mayor.
Third, Council member Marsha Swanson has yet to ascend to the center of the dais. Despite her real estate background and support for most developer issues brought before the council, such as a recent “aye” vote to move forward on reducing Developer Impact Fees (“DIF”) by half, if she so desires, it is likely that she would have a second and two votes (besides her own) to be the next mayor.
Fourth, Council member Sheryl Ade, although well qualified to lead, given her experience and knowledge of land use issues, and her lack of obligation to any influence group or private interest, will not be selected to be the Mayor. In fact, she was told that she has committed “political suicide” for trying to get the Cornerstone project before the entire council. In contrast, go to Cornerstone’s website and download the 10-11-09 sermon by the Reverend Ron Armstrong, where he applauds Farnam, Moore and Swanson for “knowing the facts” when they refused to further discuss the project, forcing an appeal by Menifee and local residents. It seems to Wildomar Magazine that missing out on the “praise” from Cornerstone’s leadership may be a good thing.
Selection will take place in December and I wanted to get WM readers prepared in thought for what is about to take place. If only for the amusement value in the process and outcome.
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