I have been asked to reflect on my time being mayor of our wonderful city. When I took the oath to become mayor of Malibu, I felt a deep sense of responsibility and accountability to our city and its citizens. Over the last nine and a half months, I have been honored to represent Malibu at official city ceremonies; I have travelled to Sacramento several times to testify before state commissions. I have met numerous times with state, county and federal legislators on behalf of Malibu issues (like AB317). I have met with the Secretary of Transportation to push for safety improvements on Pacific Coast Highway; I have represented the city at the League of California Cities Conventions. I also travelled to Seattle for a Mayor’s Convening on Education at the Gates Foundation with other mayors of some of America’s largest cities. I was asked to travel to China with other national and international mayors.
We have worked very hard to improve the perception of Malibu as a serious city and we need to continue that mission. We all agree that Malibu needs to be taken more seriously, whether from legislators, State and County agencies, Coastal Commission, Regional Water Quality Board, environmental organizations, our regional cities, and also with our own residents. The mayor must be the epitome of that behavior, always representing us as a responsible, determined, progressive and steady city. It has been my privilege to be your Mayor and I hope that I have responded accordingly. I have learned a lot and become aware of how my time and experience as a councilmember helped me become a better Mayor for the people of Malibu.
Malibu needs leadership that can be consistent, responsible and receptive to the many various needs and desires of our city. We have agreed and disagreed on different items and I have tried to demonstrate a respectful demeanor and calmness during some trying times. People ask me all the time how I can stay calm when others are yelling at me or suggesting things that I know to be untrue. My respect for the office of Mayor and for our city is just what I have needed to maintain my composure and to listen to others.
To read the rest of former mayor Laura Rosenthal’s outgoing speech from Monday night, visit malibutimes.com