Doug Crane takes over as Ukiah's mayor

Council member Doug Crane sat in the mayor seat and a new member of the Ukiah Planning Commission was appointed at the last meeting of the Ukiah City Council.

Mayor Crane and Council member Mari Rodin were sworn in Dec. 19 by new City Clerk Kristine Lawler. Rodin and Crane earned new four-year terms without an election earlier this year when no challengers filed for their seats.

"Thank you for your continued willingness to serve our community," said former Mayor Mary Anne Landis, who accepted a plaque from Crane in honor of her recent stint as mayor.

Crane then took his seat in the center chair and picked up the gavel.

Later in the meeting, Council member Benj Thomas nominated Laura Christensen to the Planning Commission after his previous appointment, Jason Brenner, resigned.

"For personal and family reasons, he has chosen to step down," Thomas said of Brenner, who works as an architectural designer. "I think he has done an admirable job of serving the community, bringing skills and industry and judgment to the position that's been very useful, particularly in the difficult matter of the Walmart (expansion) question.

Thomas said he and Planning Director Charley Stump "had a number of discussions about who might serve on that commission," and he also asked the community for suggestions, and decided to nominate Laura Mather Christensen.

"She and her husband, Bill, run a small, but highly regarded, construction firm in Ukiah," Thomas said. "She's

knowledgeable, Brenner knows her and recommended her highly, and she's very excited about doing this job."

The council then voted unanimously to support Thomas' nomination.

Justine Frederiksen can be reached at udjjf@pacific.net, on Twitter @JustFrederiksen or at 468-3521.

Source: http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/ci_22283297/doug-crane-takes-over-ukiahs-mayor?source=rss_viewed

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