Politics & Government

New Mayor Takes Office: Bob Simmons

City Council votes unanimously for retired lawyer to succeed Cindy Silva.

Before a standing room crowd at City Hall Tuesday night, the Walnut Creek City Council unanimously selected Bob Simmons as the new mayor.

Simmons then walked to the front of the dais and announced a walking initiative for 2012. Watch Walnut Creek Patch for an account of the mayor's vision for the "Walnut Creek Walks" program.

succeeded Cindy Silva with four former mayors in the council chambers, including Council member Gary Skrel.

The council also unanimously approved Kish Rajan as the new mayor pro tem, with the prospect of succeeding to become mayor in 2013.

"So what's up for 2012?" Simmons asked the crowd. Then he answered his own question with a look at the civic challenges that loom:

  • the council will adopt a two-year budget by the end of June.
  • the city will negotiate labor agreements with two public safety employee groups.
  • the city will watch two major developments proceed: the expansion of Broadway Plaza and a 600-unit housing development and transit village adjacent to Walnut Creek BART.
  • the council will address 38 recommendations made last month by.
  • the city will develop a climate action plan.
  • the council will review the city's solar feasibility study.


Before the vote for Simmons, the council paid tribute to outgoing Mayor Cindy Silva.

Silva thanked a list of people that stretched from her husband Tom to the volunteers of Walnut Creek to the dedicated members of the blue ribbon task force.

"For me," said a tearful Silva, "serving as mayor means that I could experience firsthand the dedication and commitment of people across this community to make Walnut Creek the place we call home."



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