Lemoore's Madrigal picked to fill vacant city council seat; Siegel votes no

Wednesday, August 6, 2014 - 5:46pm By Ed Martin, The Leader Editor

Former CHP Commander Ray Madrigal is sworn in as Lemoore's newest councilmember August 5.

Photo by Bill Burris, Photography for Kings County

There’s a new sheriff in town, or at least one new councilmember, who just happens to bare a slight resemblance to a sheriff. Ray Madrigal, a 30-year veteran of the California Highway Patrol, who retired as a captain and commander, was sworn in Tuesday night to fill a vacant seat on the Lemoore City Council.

But his selection didn’t come easy. Madrigal was one of four Lemoore residents vying for the right to fill the seat left vacant by John Gordon, who abruptly resigned due to health reasons. In the end, after an hour and half debate, three councilmembers rebuffed Mayor Billy Siegel’s personal preference, Michael Montalbano, and instead voted for Madrigal.

Initially, Councilmember Lois Wynne nominated Montalbano and earned a second from Mayor Siegel. However, Councilmembers Eddie Neal and Willard Rodarmel stopped cold the motion with their no votes, leaving the panel locked in a 2-2 tie.

“I know I’ve seen Mr. Montalbano (at many council meetings),” said Siegel prior to pushing for his selection. “I would probably like to sit up here with him. Going forward I feel he’s going to understand. He’ll (make up his own) own mind … and make solid decisions.”

Rodarmel initially balked at appointing a councilmember, suggesting that with perhaps 10 meetings prior to the November 4 election, there may not be much city business urgent enough for a full council.

Finally, Neal, who appeared to support Madrigal throughout the meeting, made the motion to appoint Madrigal. In a surprise move, Wynn reversed her position and seconded Neal’s motion, paving the way for Madrigal’s election. Only Siegel voted no.

Madrigal immediately was sworn in and took his seat on the council dais.

Madrigal was one of four vying for the appointment. The others, in addition to Montalbano, included Holly Blair, a local activist and community college instructor as well as a mother of five and married for the past 12 years, and Jeff Chedester, a longtime member of the community and a businessman.

Chedester is involved with a family business, Zanola’s Grain and Seed, and in something of a surprise, removed himself from consideration for the appointment, opting instead to spend the next few months boning up on the issues and putting the choice of Lemoore’s councilmembers in the hands of the public. “It is my greatest desire to be voted in on Nov. 4 by the people,” he told councilmembers.

Montalbano said his nearly 10 years observing city council meetings prompted him to seek the appointment as well as run in the November election. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and currently works as a civilian technical rep for Boeing at NAS Lemoore.

Madrigal, in a thoughtful address to councilmembers, cited his experience in law enforcement as a building block for “giving back” to his community. Madrigal, while in the CHP, still managed to make Lemoore his home for 45 of his 55 years. His last assignment was as the Area Commander in Mendocino County.

“I consider myself a lifelong resident of Lemoore with a desire to give back to my community, which has meant so much to me. My success is due to a large part to this community,” he said. “I primarily consider myself a longtime law enforcement professional,” he said, insisting that his long history with the CHP could be greatly beneficial to this city. He said that 50 percent of the city’s budget is devoted to public safety.

“I understand my job is to develop policies that guide the direction of this city,” he said. Economic development, improving the quality of life and making Lemoore appealing to all that come here are his main goals if elected.

“All members of this council must serve with distinction and be a credit to the city.”

All four candidates, and the incumbent Rodarmel, will be on the Nov. 4 ballot.