by Kevin Cody
Hermosa’s traditionally celebratory mayoral rotation began on an acrimonious note Monday night, July 15, but ended with a conciliatory 4 to 1 council vote to appoint Mayor pro tem Dean Francois as Mayor. Francois was in line to succeed Justin Massey, whose 9.6 month mayoral term ended Monday.
Hermosa’s Mayor conducts meetings, but otherwise shares power equally with the four other councilmembers.
Councilmember Mike Detoy nominated Francois for Mayor and nominated Councilmember Rob Saeman for Mayor pro tem, putting Saeman in line to follow Francois as Mayor.
The meeting began with comments from residents who were both opposed to and in support of Francois being named Mayor.
“I have listened to the allegations. I hear you,” Detoy told the packed council chambers. “But all of us up here must be better role models.”
“We must listen respectfully as much as we speak, and seek common ground even when we disagree,” Detoy said.
Then, in an allusion to the shooting of presidential nominee Donald Trump, and the killing of Pennsylvania firefighter Corey Comperatore at a Trump rally two days earlier, Detoy said, “Violence has no place in this country, let alone politics.” Detoy is a Riverside fire captain.
Resident Ira Ellman told the Council, “I’m here to voice my disapproval of Dean Francois…Being Mayor of Hermosa Beach is a privilege and should not go to someone who has displayed numerous moral and judgemental shortcomings.”
Ellman alleged a litany of boorish behavior by Francois dealing largely with excessive drinking and womanizing.
Former Councilmember Michael Keegan defended Francois in his comments to the council.
“I don’t think we should be up here judging what everyone does. We have a rotational, ceremonial Mayor. It’s worked fine for decades. It’s not a popularity contest,” Keegan said
Councilmember Raymond Jackson nominated Saeman for Mayor and Detoy for Mayor Pro tem.
“This is an election. It’s not a rotation. Nor should it ever be automatic,” Jackson said.
He quoted writer Maya Angelou: “When people show you who they are, believe them the first time…If someone shows you a lack of integrity or dishonesty early on, it’s likely to happen again in the future.”
Jackson cast the sole vote against naming Francois Mayor.
Francois brought the meeting to a close on a brief conciliatory note.
“I want to thank my colleagues for expressing their support and trust in me. I look forward to working together for the betterment of our city. Thank you. ER
