Road to Mayoral Transition a bumpy one for Francois
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…
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