Councilman ends lengthy service

The Colusa City Council said goodbye to longtime Councilman John Rogers, who stepped down from the dais after an unprecedented 27 years of elected service.

The council recognized Rogers' dedication to the community during its annual reorganization meeting on Tuesday.

"I'm going to miss coming here on Tuesdays," Rogers said. "I can't believe it's been 27 years."

Colusa Mayor Bob MacKaben, who presented Rogers with a plaque, said many of the foundations for which the city now operates could be credited to Rogers' service.

"He's a stellar community member and citizen," MacKaben said.

Sworn in to take Rogers' place Tuesday was Colusa businessman Kirk Kelleher.

Kelleher ran unopposed in the Nov. 4 presidential election to fill one of the three seats up for bid. Councilors Kay Homer and MacKaben were also re-elected.

During Tuesday's meeting, the council once again seated MacKaben to serve as Colusa's mayor for 2009.

Councilwoman Donna Critchfield was selected to serve as mayor protem.

MacKaben said the city will continue to hurdle the challenges that have been presented to the community, particularly stringent, unfunded mandates from the state for clean water and air.

The mandates have changed the way the city provides sewer, water and garbage service to its citizens, MacKaben said.

Contact Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.