Ridgeway takes over Newport
June Casagrande
NEWPORT BEACH -- A mayor once described as a man “who doesn’t suffer
fools gladly” has been succeeded by a playful personality known for
delivering witty one-liners in council meetings.
But don’t let Tod Ridgeway’s impish charm fool you, insiders say: When
it comes to city business, the new mayor is as thorough and professional
as any stern-faced city father.
“He’s smart, he takes the time to learn the issues, and he’s very
knowledgeable about what he’s doing,” City Councilman and former Mayor
Dennis O’Neil said. “Tod will be a very fine mayor.”
Council members began their meeting Tuesday with Mayor Gary Adams at
the helm. One of their first orders of business was to elect a new mayor.
After council members selected Ridgeway for the job, the new mayor took
the gavel and steered the council toward its next matter of business:
electing Steve Bromberg as the city’s new vice mayor.
“It has been an honor to serve as mayor,” Adams said, choking up a
little.
The council selects a new mayor each year -- a policy started about
six years ago to give most council members a chance to serve in the
mostly ceremonial post. Besides representing the city at functions, the
mayor also presides over council meetings and helps set meeting agendas.
In the mayor’s absence, the vice mayor steps in to do the job.
“It feels pretty good to be here,” said Ridgeway, who then laid out
some of his vision for the future. Affordable housing, managed growth and
water quality, he said top his list.
Ridgeway was elected to the council in 1998. He is a developer who is
also trained as an attorney. Also an attorney, Bromberg was elected to
the council last year after having headed the homeowners association for
Balboa Island.
* June Casagrande covers Newport Beach. She may be reached at (949)
574-4232 or by e-mail at o7 june.casagrande@latimes.comf7 .
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