The Huntington Park City Council presents Councilwoman Elba Romo with flowers during her last meeting Monday night. She did not seek re-election this year. From left are Vice Mayor Mario Gomez, Councilwoman Ofelia Hernandez, Mayor Elba Guerrero and Councilman Juan Noguez. Her replacement, Andy Molina, will be sworn in Monday. (Photo by Arnold Adler)
Story Created:
Mar 18, 2009 at 8:18 PM PST
Story Updated:
Mar 18, 2009 at 8:18 PM PST
HUNTINGTON PARK — City Councilwoman Elba Romo, often the only dissenter on many agenda items over the past four years, was praised by her fellow officials Monday night at her last meeting.
Romo did not seek re-election March 3 and will be replaced by Planning Commissioner Andy Molina at a special meeting set for 6 p.m. Monday in the council chambers, 6550 Miles Ave.
Mayor Elba Guerrero will be sworn in for a second term and the annual council reorganization will take place.
Huntington Park canceled its March 3 election because Guerrero and Molina were the only two candidates to file. Romo said at that time she did not believe she would have the support of her colleagues if she ran.
But council members Monday night recalled her dedication and energy to serve residents the past four years.
“She has helped many people on an individual basis, something the public may not know,” Vice Mayor Mario Gomez said “I believe she will be there for us in the future.”
Mayor Elba Guerrero agreed, saying “don’t think this is the last we will hear from her.”
Councilman Juan Noguez recalled that he encouraged Romo, then a recent USC graduate, to replace him as city clerk when he ran for the council in 2003.
She served as clerk until 2005 when she too ran for the City Council. The clerk position that year was made appointive.
“Whenever I drive on the freeway and see the Huntington Park [directional] signs I thank her,” Noguez said, noting Romo’s efforts to have the state place the signs along the freeway.
“We are very proud. She is a product of our community. She worked beyond the call of duty, especially with the youth,” Councilwoman Ofelia Hernandez said.
“It’s been a tough four years, but I feel proud of my service,” Romo said. “I thank God for the support of my parents, family, friends and residents of Huntington Park.
“I did push the [environmental] initiative but I did try to be basically conservative. I tried to vote in the best interest of the community. I never compromised my values and integrity,” she added.
A teacher in the Paramount Unified School District, Romo said she plans to stay in Huntington Park and be active, but said she also plans to spend more time with her husband, who works for the city of Indio.
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