Mayor’s column -- Larry Crandall

EDITOR’S NOTE: Fountain Valley Mayor Larry Crandall was sworn in

Tuesday. The following are excerpts from his speech:

The word duty was Robert E. Lee and President Dwight Eisenhower’s

favorite word. The power behind that word, they concluded, lies in the

fact it sums up and brings together ideas of responsibility, honor,

character and trust.

In meeting our obligations to our fellow man, we are compelled by

duty. And a sense of duty forces us to do more than speak about what

needs to be done for the common good. Duty forces us to act on it.

On Tuesday, the City Council acknowledged a job well-done and offered

thanks to outgoing Mayor Guy Carrozzo. As I willingly assume the duties

of mayor, I will be inheriting a well-managed, efficiently run, fiscally

sound and highly regarded city.

As mayor, I will maintain an open-door policy. No concern is too

insignificant. It is simply by being accessible that a true pulse is kept

on the needs, interests and concerns of those of you who live and work in

Fountain Valley.

One of the most satisfying aspects of being a council member, and no

doubt mayor too, is celebrating the achievements and accomplishments of

our youth, seniors and business community.

It is at these events that the importance of each individual is

indisputably understood.

Over and over again, I stand in awe of the many special people who

have overcome challenges in earning an achievement award, persevered to

meet the requirements of goals or championed a cause and sacrificed to

open a business that meets the needs of Fountain Valley. The collective

greatness of the city is evident in each individual achievement.

I look forward to continuing to be present as the city’s

representative during this coming year to celebrate each achievement.

There are some known issues we will be dealing with in the next year.

Being diligent about ground-water replenishment, salt water intrusion,

public safety, traffic flow, the expansion of Mile Square Park, replacing

the City Hall fountain, encouraging business owners of the older strip

malls to renovate, finding a compatible use for the former City Yard and

continuing opposition to the Orange Freeway toll road are items of

ongoing importance.

During my tenure, I would like to propose an idea to enrich our

community and bring various entities together. I’d like to research and

bring to fruition establishing Fountain Valley as a “Character Counts!”

city.

We all know ethical fitness is vital to every aspect of our lives, and

we all acknowledge character development is primarily the responsibility

of one’s home life.

With Fountain Valley being a city of families, it is a perfect arena

in which to support character development within the family. Fountain

Valley would join many cities nationwide in becoming a “Character

Counts!” city.

The six character traits within this program transcend divisions and

are found to be universal in nature. They are trustworthiness, respect,

responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Becoming a “Character Counts!” city would be the result of the joint

efforts of the city, schools, civic organizations, youth-sponsored

groups, businesses and the faith community. It is my hope to see this

idea realized.

At the end of the year, I hope we can all agree the City Council and I

served you well by demonstrating the power behind the word duty. God

bless you all.

* LARRY CRANDALL is the mayor of Fountain Valley.