DOWNEY — Downey Councilman Sean Ashton was sworn in as president of Independent Cities Association last Thursday.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn administered the oath of office in the Downey Council Chambers.   Ashton’s wife, Tammy, and their two sons, Dylan and Nolan, attended the ceremony. California State Senator Bob Archuleta also attended in person along with a few close friends. California State Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia also showed her support in virtual attendance.

Independent Cities Association (ICA) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in 1960 with over 40 member cities, representing more than 6.6 million residents.  ICA is the premier educational association in Los Angeles County.  ICA’s focus is to provide up to date information on issues important to cities like public safety, education, infrastructure, legislative advocacy, intergovernmental relationships, and other major issues that transcend the boundaries of its member cities.

“I am honored and humbled to be chosen to serve as ICA’s President by my colleagues,” said Ashton who has served on the ICA Board of Directors for over 5 years.  “I am looking forward to the challenge of leading this great organization during these uncertain times.”

“We are very pleased to have Sean take the reins of the Independent Cities Association. He will be the third President from Downey, following in the footsteps of former Mayors Barbara J. Riley and Mario Guerra, continuing the longstanding support for ICA’s service and representation to member cities,” said Interim Executive Director Sam Olivito.

“Sean’s administration will take on the important issues facing local government with leadership and passion for finding the appropriate resolution for our member cities in Los Angeles County”

Along with Ashton, the 2020-21 Independent Cities Association Board of Directors includes:

President-Elect:  Göran Eriksson, Mayor, Culver City
Vice President: Nils Nehrenheim, Councilmember, Redondo Beach
Treasurer: Stacy Armato, Councilmember, Hermosa Beach
Secretary: Jack Hadjinian, Councilmember, Montebello
Past President: Richard Montgomery, Mayor, Manhattan Beach
Director: Marco Barcena, Councilmember, Bell Gardens
Director: Dr. Julian Gold, Councilmember, Beverly Hills
Director: Tana McCoy, Councilmember, Compton
Director: Mark Henderson, Councilmember, Gardena
Director: David Fredendall, Councilmember, Glendora
Director: Roberto Uranga, Councilmember, Long Beach
Director: John Lee, Councilmember, Los Angeles
Director: Yvonne Yiu, Mayor Pro Tem, Monterey Park
Director: Robert Gonzales, Councilmember, San Fernando
Director: Jason Pu, Councilmember, San Gabriel
Director: Denise Diaz, Councilmember, South Gate