Outgoing Victorville Councilman McEachron earns high praise from colleagues

Nov. 23--VICTORVILLE -- Sitting Council members recently praised colleague Ryan McEachron for nearly a decade on the dais. McEachron, a former planning commissioner, is officially an outgoing Councilman whose re-election bid this month was foiled by a newcomer.

"Personally, I want to express my thanks and my appreciation to Ryan McEachron for eight years of dedicated service, thoughtful leadership, his record of achievement, his willingness to stand up on some controversial issues that we've had ...," Councilman Jim Kennedy said during the tail end of the Nov. 15 Council meeting. "Personally, I'm disappointed with that part of the outcome of the election -- at least the piece for Ryan."

McEachron was one of three incumbents seeking to return to another four-year term on the Council. Radio ads paid for by McEachron even promoted him, Mayor Gloria Garcia and Mayor Pro Tem Jim Cox as a collective. However, only Garcia and Cox won re-election, with educator Blanca Gomez sneaking by Planning Commissioner Lionel Dew for third.

McEachron finished fifth out of 10 candidates.

"Whether the citizens of this city know it or not, whether they understand it or not," Kennedy said, "they owe a huge debt of gratitude to Ryan for his service."

Garcia called it "a sad day" to lose McEachron, who she said had a good heart and had taught her about being a council member.

"He's such a great asset to the city, to the people and the entire High Desert -- the county for that matter," she said.

Cox pointed to McEachron's seven years on the Planning Commission prior to winning a seat on the Council in 2008 as having provided him "a head start" in civic leadership.

"Ryan was one of those who understood how it worked and the complications," Cox said.

Councilman Eric Negrete hinted, as McEachron has, that the outgoing city leader won't disappear.

"All of Ryan's contributions he's involved with are far reaching and I think we all know we can count on him as a community leader," Negrete said. "It's not as glamorous as it looks, but I really appreciate everything he's done and look forward to continuing to work with him."

McEachron appeared taken aback by the kind words. He'll return Dec. 6 for the "peaceful transfer of power" between he and Gomez.

"I've appreciated working with each and everyone of you, with former members of this Council, with staff, (Police Chief) Sam (Lucia) -- all the text messages and phone calls you and I have had (are) too numerous to count," McEachron said. "All the (city) staff up there, you guys have all been great."

Cox led a round of applause inside council chambers, then McEachron vowed with a laugh: "But I'm not going anywhere."

It's an indication he plans to remain involved within the community albeit in an unofficial capacity, which he also told the Daily Press in a post-election interview earlier this month. He also didn't rule out seeking higher office in the future, although for now he said he'll renew focus on his insurance business.

Shea Johnson can be reached at 760-955-5368 or SJohnson@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DP_Shea.

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