Conlosh decides not to take on mayoral responsibilities

Torus Tammer

FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- In an unexpected announcement Tuesday, Councilman

Chuck Conlosh declined his turn as the city’s next mayor.

In an open statement made during the City Council meeting, he said

that due to his heavy work schedule, he would be unable to represent the

city at many of the social engagements that require a mayoral presence

“I was supposed to be elected mayor, perhaps if I get the votes, in

the next couple of weeks,” said Conlosh, who was reelected to another

four-year term two weeks ago. “Because of my schedule at work, I don’t

think I would be able to attend the speaking engagements for the city, so

I’m going to have to decline holding that position, and pass it on to the

next council member.”

Fellow City Council members, who later said that they were not

expecting Conlosh’s announcement, seemed pleased that the councilman’s

decision was based on the city’s needs.

Mayor Guy Carrozzo was the first to acknowledge Conlosh.

“I commend you on that point,” he said. “Knowing what the schedule is

like -- it is a role which can sometimes be very difficult.”

Council members John Collins, Larry Crandall and Laurann Cook all

followed suit by congratulating Conlosh on his decision.

They also tentatively offered their hopes for a reconciliation in

light of the tensions of months past.

At the end of the meeting, Cook, who had tangled with Conlosh more

than her colleagues, acknowledged that harsh words had been spoken in the

past, but added the councilman’s decision was a good thing and that he

should be acknowledged for it.

“When a person does something that is applaudable, and that’s

something that you just did, Chuck, I think there should be a fresh

start,” she said. “We should try working all together in the citizens’

behalf. So thank you for thinking of the citizens in your comment.”

But a new question had writhed its way to the surface almost

immediately: Who will be Fountain Valley’s next mayor?

Carrozzo said he doesn’t know, but thinks it may be Cook or Crandall,

the latter of whom may be next in line.

Crandall said that he did not want to jump to conclusions.

“If it’s my turn, I will uphold the dignity and honor of the position

and I will represent the city and the citizens the way they expect to be

represented.”