Editorial: Something very Modesto in how one mayor exited, another entered

There was something nice, something very Modesto, about the transition of power that occurred in the basement chamber of Tenth Street Place on Tuesday night.

It was more than a mere passing of the baton of leadership as Garrad Marsh sat in the mayor’s chair for the last time and Ted Brandvold was sworn in to replace him.

It was a celebration of both departure and arrival. But it was also altogether friendly and sincere, far beyond what was required by decorum or just good manners.

First, they said goodbye to Mayor Marsh. He was thanked for his 22 years of service to the city, first on two different city boards, then on the City Council and finally as mayor. He helped see the city through some tumultuous times, including the aftermath of the Great Recession.

The council is supposed to be nonpartisan, but everyone knows the party affiliation of the other. And in this case, those affiliations didn’t seem to matter.

Bill Zoslocki gave the outgoing mayor a plaque, recognizing his service, on behalf of the entire council.

There were hugs and kind words. Councilwoman Jenny Kenoyer got choked up, as did Councilman Tony Madrigal (at least momentarily).

The mayor spoke for 10 minutes, offering his thanks to staff and others. He noted his belief that the Altamont Corridor Express is likely to be the next “game changer” for downtown. Then came a standing ovation – though most in the chamber’s audience were there to celebrate Brandvold’s swearing in, not Marsh’s departure.

Then it was Brandvold’s turn. He spoke about making a great city greater – which is another way of saying there’s room for improvement, though it didn’t come off that way.

And we appreciate that, too, because it is so very Modesto. There are many great things about the Stanislaus County seat, but most of us recognize there is room to improve.

Even more in keeping with this city was Brandvold’s decision not to have a reception to celebrate his new job. Keeping an eye on cost, he noted such a party had already been conducted for the new council members, elected in November, and he didn’t think another was needed.

Perhaps he believes there is more important work at hand – his line-by-line review of city finances, gaining an understanding of how the city works, meeting the people who make it work. If that’s the case, we applaud his determination.

As everyone knows, the word “Modesto” means modest. And Brandvold appears to embody that word – unfailingly nice, understated, quiet, friendly. Just as the transition between mayors was nearly unique in its friendliness and collegial informality, so is the city nearly unique (for its size) in keeping things friendly, sincere, heartfelt.

Sometimes, many times, it’s best to be that way.

This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 4:35 PM with the headline "Editorial: Something very Modesto in how one mayor exited, another entered."