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View Winners → Duarte City Council fills District 6 vacancy and selects new mayor, mayor pro tem
San Gabriel Valley Dec 17, 2021
City of Duarte City Hall building. | Photo courtesy of the City of Duarte
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At a special meeting of the Duarte City Council on Tuesday, Dec. 14, the council interviewed and appointed a new councilmember for District 6. Following that, the council also hosted its annual reorganization to select a new mayor and mayor pro tem.
The City Council selected Margaret Finlay, District 4, to represent Duarte as mayor and Tzeitel Paras-Caracci, District 1, as mayor pro tem. Margaret Finlay previously served six terms as mayor.
“As we approach the end of 2021, we must acknowledge how far we’ve come as a community weathering two years of uncertainties,” stated Finlay. “It is my honor to again serve Duarte as mayor. I’m hopeful for an exciting 2022 and some light at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic tunnel.”
The council unanimously appointed Cesar Garcia to fill the vacant District 6 City Council seat. He was sworn into office immediately after the appointment. The position was left vacant following the unexpected passing of Councilmember Bryan Urias. The city held an open application process for any registered voter in Duarte to apply for the District 6 seat.
“Cesar Garcia is a longtime Duarte resident who is deeply committed to our community,” said Mayor Pro Tem Paras-Caracci. “His appointment ensures residents are well represented through the November 2022 election.”
Garcia and his family have called Duarte home for over 27 years. Garcia attended Duarte schools from kindergarten through high school. As a proud Duarte High alum, Garcia’s experience inspired him to give back to his community through public service.
“Although I am joining the City Council during a solemn time for Duarte with the loss of Councilmember Urias, I hope to uplift my community through city programs that have given so much to me and my family,” said Councilmember Garcia. “My focus is strengthening city partnerships and increasing programs and resources for Duarte residents.”
Councilmember Garcia highlights Measure D as an example of the Duarte community coming together to responsibly budget and develop the city’s infrastructure and public resources through the unprecedented events of the COVID-19 pandemic.
His 2018 campaign slogan, “We are all one community,” rings true today as the councilmember commits to serving his hometown through his new role. His initial goals include supporting youth and family programs, of which he is a direct product, as well as public safety initiatives and local businesses.
At the reorganization meeting, City Manager Dan Jordan administered the Oath of Office to the incoming councilmember.
For additional information about the Duarte City Council, please visit the Duarte City website or contact the Office of the City Manager at (626) 357-7931.
