Dominick wins mayor's race
Wednesday, November 8, 2006 10:42 AM PST
Andy Gates | Argus Observer
ONTARIO
Ontario Mayor-elect Joe Dominick said he feels honored to soon begin serving the city and he looks forward to working with John Gaskill and the rest of the City Council and administration.
“We kept a nice cordial race focused on the issues. I appreciate his (Gaskill's) work on the Council, and I look forward to rebuilding the team and moving Ontario forward,” Dominick said.
Ontario City Councilman John Gaskill said he was disappointed the vote margin was so wide (1,932 to 688), but said he is proud of his campaign and wishes those who were elected well.
“I appreciate the support I've had and the encouragement. It's been a great experience,” Gaskill said.
Two new faces will also join the Ontario City Council: Bruce Tuttle and Susann Mills. Incumbent Ontario Councilman Jim Mosier was also re-elected to the council.
Incumbents Audrey Jacobs and Earl Cheatham, who both ran for re-election, will step down from the elected board before the first council meeting in January.
During the campaign, Hursh, Mills, Tuttle and Dominick formed a political coalition.
Gaskill said it will be interesting to work with the new mayor and councilmembers.
“Every time there's an election or vacancy and new people come on, that develops a new dynamic, and it's always interesting working with new people,” Gaskill said.
Dominick celebrated at Midget Mary's Tuesday following his win, with a feast of buffalo wings, he said.
Dominick said he is gearing up for his term, and will be prepared for his first day beside the gavel.
“We need to clear up the lawsuit against the city so that we can move forward,” Dominick said.
Work on the urban growth boundary must be finished, Dominick said.
Gaskill agreed the lawsuits and the urban growth boundary are two key issues among many - including a possible business license - the Council will need to work through.
“There's still a lot of work to do,” Gaskill said.
The decision to maintain course or change direction will face the future council, Gaskill said.
Dominick said he looks forward to meeting with Ontario City Manager Scott Trainor to get off on a cordial foot and discuss the transition of elected leadership.
“I would like to ask him (Trainor) how he'd like to proceed.” Dominick said.
Both Dominick and Gaskill said they are glad the election is over.
“It's time for Ontario to rock and roll,” Dominick said.
