Councilmember McAustin Endorses Tornek in Mayoral Race

Mayor Terry Tornek announced on Monday that District 2 Councilmember Margaret McAustin has endorsed him.

“I’ve worked with Terry for over 15 years, on the Planning Commission and on the City Council,” McAustin said. “We’ve worked closely on the Finance Committee, the Municipal Services Committee, and on the PUSD/City Council committee.”

Tornek is facing Councilmember Victor Gordo in the Nov. 3 election. The two men met in a forum last week. Gordo won the primary election in March.

In the last race for mayor, members of the City Council were hesitant to publicly endorse either candidate. But that has not been the case recently.

Last week, Tornek picked up Councilmember John Kennedy’s endorsement. Gordo has picked up endorsements by Vice Mayor Tyron Hampton and Councilmember Steve Madison.

With McAustin’s endorsement going to Tornek, only two remaining councilmembers, Gene Masuda and Andy Wilson, have not endorsed a candidate.

“Terry gives his all to everything he does, whether it’s being mayor or being a member of a committee. Terry shows up for his commitments and for Pasadena. Terry digs in and understands all the issues,” McAustin said.

According to McAustin, who is stepping down sometime after the General Election, Terry represents Pasadena on a number of regional boards, and he brings his passion and love for Pasadena to every board he serves on.

McAustin said the city needs a steady hand right now to continue to guide local residents through the pandemic and the unrelenting financial impacts businesses and residents are feeling.

“The next four years will require solid, consistent leadership to move us through the aftermath of Covid-19. Terry will provide that leadership,” McAustin said.

“Terry views his role as mayor as one of public service – he’s not doing it to further a personal political goal. He works full time as mayor to better Pasadena, and to work towards the social justice we all want to see here.

“Mayor Tornek responded quickly to the citizen demands for police oversight and brought the council together in a unanimous decision in short order. As public servants, we have to be responsive to our residents, and Terry is unfailing in that regard,” McAustin said.