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 .