Hamilton earns nod as city mayor, McCracken is pro-tem

Cameron Hamilton has been reelected mayor of Porterville and Pete McCracken will serve as mayor pro-tem.

That was the decision by the five council members after the swearing-in ceremony of new council members and council reorganization at tonight’s City Council meeting at Porterville City Hall.

After Tulare County Superior Court Judge Glade Roper administered the oath of office of incumbents Hamilton and Pedro “Pete” Martinez, and newcomer Brian Ward, the three joined Councilmen Felipe Martinez and Pete McCracken, whose terms expire in June 2010, on the dias.

As the nominations for mayor opened, Ward was first to speak, nominating McCracken for the honorary post.

Pedro Martinez followed, nominating all five council members “just for the sake of discussion.”

“Myself and mayor have been through this process quite a number of times,” Pedro Martinez said.

Pedro Martinez said he has seen the process flow — slow and easy — and he has seen it as a creative process, where council members went around and around in roaring rapids.

“This process is difficult,” Pedro Martinez said. “It is one of the only times all of us here have to lay our cards on the table and discuss each other. I think it is the best way to do it — honest and open. Take the personality out of it and figure out what’s best for the city.”

He mentioned the reservations he had with McCracken, Felipe Martinez and Ward.

Felipe Martinez talked about running for council and being selected as mayor pro-tem and sitting on several boards, and also mentioned he was not interested in receiving the mayor vote. But when asked if he was pulling his name out, he said no.

“If the body does not appoint me, I don’t have to pull my name out,” Felipe Martinez said.

Hamilton acknowledged that it was difficult to critique each other. He then turned to city attorney Steve Kabot and asked for the best way to proceed.

“All five of you are in the nomination process,” Kabot said. “I suggest a random method.”

Former council member Eddie Hernandez, who was recognized earlier as he stepped down, returned to the front to draw a random name for the council to vote on.

Pedro Martinez’ name was first. He received three no votes and two yes votes — by Pedro Martinez and Felipe Martinez. Hamilton’s name was drawn next, receiving a 4-1 recorded vote with Ward dissenting.

When it came time for selection of mayor pro -tem, Pedro Martinez and McCracken were nominated, with McCracken being the first name drawn for voting purposes. He received a 3-2 vote, with Pedro Martinez and Felipe Martinez voting no.

“I am humble that the community has given me an opportunity to serve as mayor,” Hamilton said. “I am very pleased with the city of Porterville for electing me for four more years.”

As the councilmen spoke, they appeared to echo each other’s sentiments.

“I’m looking forward to the next two years,” Felipe Martinez said. “Hopefully we’ll make the citizens proud of all five [council members.] The next two years will be awesome.”

-- Contact Esther Avila at 784-5000, Ext. 1047 or eavila@portervillerecorder.com.