Englander Introduces Himself to the City Council

The City Mavin was listening when Councilman Mitch Englander took his seat for the first time at the "horseshoe" in the City Council chambers on July 1.

She transcribed his opening remarks:

I just wanted to take a minute and thank you all. I know what an honor and privilege it is to be here. I know what a tough road it was to get here, not just the campaign but my entire life. Having been, you know, a kid that struggled in the San Fernando Valley, to grow up and struggle as many of the families are struggling today. Being born and raised by a single mom who had lost everything, and after having lost her and many other family members through tragedy, I know that a kid from the San Fernando Valley can give back just as much as anybody else. We’ve been able to do that together.

I just want to take a second — and I wanted to recognize our new council president, yet again, and all of what he just said about the changing of the guard — and realize that we are here for a very short time. And, what Ms. Perry just stated — our pro temp, again, and congratulations to you, well deserved, it’s great to have great leaders in the city once again — but as she pointed out, coming in as a staff member, having that experience to hit the ground running and get so much done, particularly now in such a difficult economic time.

But I didn’t want to give a political speech. I actually wanted to take the time to recognize my family who stood by me through so much. My wife, we’ve been together for 22 years, Jayne Englander. My daughters Lindsey and Lauren who are here today as well. It is all about family and I know we’re going to go through a lot together now in this new role and so that’s the most important thing to me, coming home to a strong family and being there together. I love you and thank you for being there through all this, through difficult times, and I look forward to a lot of fun times and doing great things for the city and our community together.