Mayor Jim Richardson and councilman Hans Duus, who were each up for re-election, will remain in their current seats unopposed, while former council member and mayor Ed Skytt will be appointed to the vacated seat that will be left by councilman Ken Palmer, who decided not to seek re-election.
With those races basically decided at the starting blocks, Palmer took the opportunity at Monday’s brief council meeting to address the changes. He offered congratulations to both Richardson and Duus, and said he was confident that Skytt would be a productive addition.
“I’ve known Ed ever since I came to town 24 years ago, and he’s going to do a good job,” said Palmer, who was also a two-term mayor of Solvang. “I look forward to a very prosperous two years ahead of us. I think the town is in good hands.”
Before his term runs out at the end of the year, Palmer said he will make it a personal goal to increase awareness of local government within the community. He said he was disappointed with the lack of local candidates in the upcoming election and would like to see more people be involved in the political process. “In my opinion, this is a well-run little town,” he said. “No one can deny how much better it looks than 20 years ago. But, I’m taking it as my responsibility between now and the time I leave to try to get more participation out of the citizens. I think we can do it in a polite way.”
Richardson thanked Palmer for his service and contributions to the city, but added that he’s hoping those contributions aren’t over. Palmer, who served in the military and was a college administrator before coming to Solvang, is an expert on local and state water issues.
“I think we may need to call on your services at times to help us in that area,” Richardson said to Palmer. Among the items unanimously approved by the council on Monday night’s consent agenda was an updated zero-tolerance drug and alcohol testing policy for employees of Santa Ynez Valley Transit. The policy is in line with a recommended update by Caltrans and will primarily affect the city’s operations contractor, Storer Transit Systems, which has 11 safety-sensitive employees.
The next Solvang City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 10, at City Hall. willis@syvjournal.com