Lucan Named Mayor, Eklund Sworn in to Sixth Term

Councilman Eric Lucan was named Novato’s mayor for 2014 and Pat Eklund was sworn in for her sixth term on the council at a City Hall ceremony on Tuesday.

Councilwoman Denise Athas, re-elected last month to a second term on the council, was absent.

Lucan and Eklund both thanked supporters and said that they looked forward to serving.

“Being a mayor is a humbling experience,” said Lucan, a first-term councilman who is running to replace Noreen Evans in the District 2 race for the California Senate next year. 

“I love this city and this community, that's what makes serving on council so enjoyable. We don't always agree, but our commitment to the betterment of our city should always outweigh our disagreement.”

Lucan thanked his wife, Kiley, and parents John and Loretta, all in attendance on Tuesday, as well as supporters.

Eklund, too, was effusive in her comments to the public, calling Novato a “great community that can overcome any challenges facing it.”

“During my campaign, I heard from many households that they don’t want housing that’s not compatible with Novato’s small-town character…(or) big box stores on North Redwood Boulevard,” Eklund said.

Councilwoman Jeanne MacLeamy was named Mayor Pro Tem. She also noted the Novato’s accomplishments, from building the new offices downtown to finally approving the housing element, a four year process that resulted in dozens of meetings and hours of heated testimony (mostly by residents who opposed zoning new areas for potential affordable housing.)

MacLeamy said the final outcome was a housing element whose density is more appropriate for a town Novato’s size.