Lemoore mayor, Lois Wynne decides against a second council term

Wynne was elected to her initial term in 2012. Less than two years later, fellow councilmembers put her in the mayor’s chair – following a coup of sorts – when she and fellow councilmembers removed former Mayor Billy Siegel from the position prior to the expiration of his mayoral term – the first Lemoore mayor ever to be tossed out of office early.

In Lemoore, mayors serve two-year terms at the discretion of the council.

“I’m not going to run,” said Wynne, referring to family issues. “That’s my priority. I really wanted to run again, but I had to rethink my priorities.”

Wynne currently works for Brandman University in Hanford. She also served a distinguished career in the Lemoore Elementary School District for 38 years as a teacher and then as an administrator. Her final job was as the district’s assistant superintendent.

Early on in her term she forged somewhat of an alliance with Siegel and former Councilmember John Gordon. The trio created a controversy when Wynne voted in tandem with Siegel and Gordon to eliminate the planning department, which brought out at least 200 residents to a council meeting protesting the action. They also fired then City Manager Jeff Briltz, a longtime city administrator and city employee.

The actions led to a failed recall effort against Siegel.

Led by the Wynne, Siegel and Gordon coalition, councilmembers hired former Lemoore Police Chief Jeff Laws to run the city. He resigned in 2015 after less than two years on the job.

“I think I’ve helped to do a lot of things that needed to be done,” said Wynne. “While I’ve been mayor we’ve done a lot of good things.”. For example, she points to City Manager Andi Welsh, who was hired in 2015 to run the city. “She is a hard worker and she knows her stuff,” said Wynne. “She’s brought a lot of good things, and I’m pleased.”

Overall, Wynne says serving the City of Lemoore has a highlight of her long career. “This has been a great experience,” she said.