Moreno Valley Names New Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for 2016

The Moreno Valley City Council chambers were packed with community leaders and citizens on Thursday, Dec. 17 to witness the swearing in of a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for the 2016 year. 2015’s Mayor Pro Tem, Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez, was sworn-in as Mayor. Council Member, Jeffrey Giba, was sworn-in as Mayor Pro Tem. The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem will assume their new duties at the first regular City Council meeting in 2016 on Tuesday, Jan. 5. In their speeches, both Mayor Dr. Gutierrez and Mayor Pro Tem Giba expressed their gratitude for all of the support they have received by their peers and the community. “I have to admit, I was a bit overcome by the volume of positive, encouraging comments and messages I’ve received since my peers selected me as the Mayor Pro Tem for 2016. I do not take your confidence lightly and I plan to honor it by pressing forward, by working to position our community for greatness,” Mayor Pro Tem Giba said. Mayor Pro Tem Giba plans to continue to work toward financial stability and growth, transportation improvement both locally and regionally, and direct the pursuit of innovation to grow energy resources. He stated a desire to do more to "think outside the box,” and in doing so "with innovation, technology, and education, there is no end to possibilities." The Mayor Pro Tem ended his discussion saying, “I’ll leave you with one final thought: We don’t know what we don’t know. You see, I am here to serve you, the residents of Moreno Valley. If there is something that you don’t understand, please ask. I am very accessible. I am, and will continue to be, available to meet to discuss your questions and concerns.” Mayor Dr. Gutierrez is now the youngest Mayor to serve in Moreno Valley. Gutierrez said, "[I will continue] to move this City forward by working collaboratively with our Council, staff, and community, and truly focusing on the needs of our community." One of the main focuses for Mayor Dr. Gutierrez in the new year is job creation, business attraction, and small business advocacy. “Every resident deserves the dignity of a job. Therefore, job creation and shortened commutes, higher incomes, and much‐needed city revenues that come with it must continue to be a top priority. To this end I will continue to propose and advocate for job creation incentives to attract new businesses,” said Mayor Gutierrez. Gutierrez further discussed plans for the 2016 year including: • Strengthening public safety by identifying innovative programs and building upon successful collaborations • Supporting education • Increasing community engagement and the solicitation of resident opinion regarding city matters (through the use of surveys, interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires) The Mayor ended his speech asking for continued support from the community, “Lastly, I ask that whatever decisions we make as a Council, that you will support the decisions and help move this City forward in a positive direction. So, ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. God bless you all and may God bless our great city." Following the ceremony was a reception for community members to celebrate and have the opportunity to speak to both the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.