Four new councilmembers are sworn in Tuesday night in Lemoore City Hall

Before adjourning for the night, councilmembers selected newcomer Patricia Matthews to serve as mayor pro tem. Both councilmembers were elected unanimously.

The newcomers complete a full five-member council, something Lemoore residents have not seen for months. In fact, only three members were present Tuesday night before the new council persons were sworn in.

John Plourde and Chris Schalde, both appointed to the council, decided not to run for re-election. Mayor Eddie Neal, who would have chaired his final council meeting after having served two full terms, did not attend Tuesday’s meeting.

Former West Hills Chancellor Frank Gornick is sworn in Tuesday night.

Gary Feinstein/Feinsteinfotos

Plourde, who has served both as an elected and appointed councilmember, waxed philosophical about his tenure on the council. “When we made decisions up here, we try to make the best decision for the city,” he said. “Some people didn’t like some of the decisions, be we had to make them.”

 Gornick said he was looking forward to working with everybody and moving the city forward, while Chaney thanked everyone who voted for him. “I think we’re going to get a lot done,” he said.