Bill Bogaard’s Final Remarks as Mayor Conclude With His Thanks to a Grateful City

In his final remarks as Mayor, Bill Bogaard offered his “profound gratitude” to a city he has served diligently for 16 years.

“We’ve had something good going in Pasadena. I’m glad to be a part of it,” Bogaard said in his final remarks from the Mayor’s chair in City Council Chambers Monday night.

Bogaard presided over the first of a three-part ceremony which saw the previous City Council dissolve and the swearing in of a new Mayor, a new Councilmember, and the election of a new Vice Mayor.

Bogaard said his decision not to run a fifth time for Mayor was a family decision.

“I can confirm that my decision not to seek reelection last fall was heavily influenced by my sense that now is the time in my life to spend more time with our young grandchildren who are growing up,” he said to admiring audience.

His wife, Claire, sat in the front row of the audience.

“But let me say that what the city has accomplished in the last 16 years is a product of a culture, a total commitment on the part many, many people in this community to make it a better [and] a more compassionate place to live,” Bogaard said.

He joked that if he had known how difficult the transition process was to be, he might had decided simply to run for the office again.

“I have been proud to be a part of this movement that, ‘We’re going make it a better place.’ I’m a part of that and I’m proud of that, but the spotlight should be turned on to the wonders of the city where there are so many people who are willing to work hard and devote their time and their talents and their resources to improve Pasadena,” he said. “So my overriding memory of the city is this is a city that will prosper.”

“Thank you,” Bogaard concluded,”very, very much.”