By SCOTT AUST / Greater Garden City
During Monday’s annual City of Garden City commission reorganization, newly appointed Mayor Tom Nguyen noted how “incredibly humbled and duly grateful” he felt to be included among the 74 different mayors Garden City has had since 1883 and its first mayor, CJ “Buffalo” Jones.
“It is truly an honor to serve as the first Asian American mayor in our city’s history, and also the youngest mayor we’ve ever had at age 22,” Nguyen said. “I don’t view those facts as personal achievements; I see them as a reflection of a community willing to believe in young people and in the people who will carry it forward.”
Each January, Garden City’s governing body reorganizes by naming a new chairman and vice chair to serve as Mayor and Vice Mayor for the year. Following elections every two years, the Commission also recognizes those members leaving the Board and swears in new members.
Two Commissioners, Manny Ortiz and Troy Unruh, are leaving the commission. Ortiz chose not to run for reelection and Unruh was not reelected this past November. Both thanked family, friends, and the community for their support during their terms in office.
Two newly elected commissioners, Deb Oyler and Karen Canales-Lozano, were sworn in and took their seats on the commission.
Part of the tradition for the annual mayoral transition includes an exchange of a ceremonial gavel from the outgoing mayor to the new mayor.
Before turning over the gavel and resuming his seat on the Commission, Roy Cessna reflected on the past year as Mayor and said he can’t help but be excited about its future as the regional hub for retail, industry, travel and as a destination for western Kansas.
“By making smart investments, building strong partnerships and exercising fiscal responsibility we’re creating a city that attracts people, opportunities and investment and growth. Our goal is to establish a wonderful place for people to work, live and raise a family,” Cessna said. “I cannot be prouder to call Garden City my home. Our city is strong. Our future is bright. And it’s a very good day to be in Garden City.”
In his initial remarks as mayor, Nguyen said the five commissioners can’t do it all themselves, they need the community’s help. He asked the community to “love” commissioners through both the easy and difficult decisions by asking questions, sharing concerns, offering ideas and occasionally sharing a compliment because “that might slow down a gray hair or two.”
“Thank you for embracing me with so much love,” Nguyen said. “I am excited to see how together we can continue living up to Buffalo Jones’ spirit of growing Garden City.”
