Bill Bogaard Has Left the Building

-Photos by Terry Miller

By Terry Miller

After 16 years of navigating Pasadena’s occasionally rough political seas, the man at the helm of the ship, Mayor Bill Bogaard, stepped down Monday night, making way for the first new mayor in nearly two decades. He handed over the helm to Terry Tornek, who beat Jacque Robinson for the coveted Mayoral seat.

During a three-hour-long series of events, the former Mayor was given numerous accolades, gifts and presentations from colleagues on council as well as state and local representatives. Bogaard was humbled and reminded those in attendance that his success in office was in no small part due to everyone on council and city staffers.

After the first round of congratulatory speeches, the council adjourned to a small reception in the City Hall courtyard where outgoing Mayor Bogaard introduced the incoming Mayor Terry Tornek.

[wowslider id=”263″]

The two men, followed by the rest of council, quickly returned to council chambers where the official swearing-in took place.

Steve Madison, Tyron Hampton, Terry Tornek, Margaret McAustin and Gene Masuda were sworn in by City Clerk Mark Jomsky. And later, Gene Masuda was unanimously appointed Vice Mayor.

After a few fond handshakes, it was time for Mr. Bogaard and his wife Claire to return to civilian life and then navigate the winding historic stairs from council chambers into retirement.

More from Pasadena Independent