Civic involvement crucial to success

By the time the December issue hits mailboxes, the City Council will have picked a new mayor and my year as mayor will have ended.

Like in most cities, the council selects a mayor each December for a one-year term.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve as mayor for this past year and to represent Clayton at various events in our town and Contra Costa County. I would like to thank city staff for their expertise and availability, my fellow council members for selecting me as mayor a year ago, and Clayton residents who look after each other and do things for the common good. A special shout out to my 13-year-old son who (voluntarily) accompanied me to many office hours and other events.

I decided to run for City Council in 2016, in part based on the hope of giving back to the community and a desire to maintain Clayton as the great community it has been since I moved here in 2005. Serving on the council requires responsibility to do the right thing for all of Clayton.

When I think back at Clayton during the approximately 15 years I have owned a home here, the city has changed minimally, but responsibly. Thanks to city staff and past councils, the city runs on balanced budgets with healthy reserves. Development has been limited, but in retrospect I think most would agree that having things like the bocce courts, CVS, the High Street townhomes and single-family homes at the old seminary site have been positive contributions to the community. Thanks to citizen vigilance and our Police Department, safety remains a top priority and achievement.

I realize most residents do not attend council meetings, but hearing from all of you is important. As mayor, I held informal office hours one or two times per month. I appreciate how many of you dropped by to say hi and to talk about various matters. Please continue to let me know any feedback you have.

None of us alone make Clayton a great place to live at, but all of us can do our small part to contribute to our community.

I wish everyone happy holidays and look forward to continuing to serve as one of your five council members in 2020.

Contact Mayor Catalano at catalano@ci.clayton.ca.us and follow at www.facebook.com/CouncilmemberTuijaCatalano for more updates.