Two of the three departing members of the San Diego City Council said their goodbyes and gave thanks Tuesday, less than one week before their successors are to be sworn in.
Council President Sherri Lightner and Councilwoman Marti Emerald made their remarks at the end of their last full council meeting. Emerald still has a committee meeting Wednesday afternoon.
“I’ve enjoyed working with all of you and I will really miss this place — at least some of the time,” Lightner said in jest. “I will miss you all, I’m not sure I will miss this all.”
She listed as her accomplishments numerous reforms to the City Charter that were passed by voters, the adoption of a comprehensive water policy in the face of an ongoing drought and an updated economic development strategy, among other things.
Lightner, whose district includes Carmel Valley, La Jolla and University City, was termed out after eight years.
While Emerald has served more than two terms, she was eligible to run for re-election this year because she was only completing her first four years in the newly created District 9, which runs from the College Area through City Heights to Southcrest.
She opted not to run again after a tenure marked by a battle with breast cancer and the death of her husband.
“I just want to thank the people of the city of San Diego for giving me this opportunity to serve,” said Emerald, who also thanked her staff and council colleagues.
“We all may not be on the same page politically or socially or any of that,” she said. “This is an example of how democracy can work in our communities.”
Lightner will be succeeded Monday by Barbara Bry, while Georgette Gomez will take Emerald’s seat.
Councilman Todd Glora resigned Monday when he was sworn in to the state Assembly, and did not attend the meeting. He will be succeeded by Chris Ward.
–City News Service
