DOWNEY – There wasn’t a seat left in the house Tuesday evening as community members and elected officials alike came together within the Council Chamber to welcome two new city council members and bid farewell to another.

Roger Brossmer

The evening’s ceremony began with the honoring of longtime elected official and former Mayor Roger Brossmer.

“Our city is so fortunate to have a person like Roger Brossmer - not only serve us in this capacity as mayor and city council member for over 16 years – but we’re very fortunate that he’s involved with the education of our kids,” said Mayor Alex Saab. “…If you really think about the enormous impact Roger has made here at city hall [and] down the street at the school district, think about the lives [and] the decisions that Roger has made that has changed people and really has forged the path for thousands and thousands of kids and the future of our community.

We’re forever indebted for what he has done…”

Brossmer was honored by several local organizations, public officials and residents, including the Downey City Council, State Senator Tony Mendoza, the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, the office of United States Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard, and the Downey Unified School District Board of Education.

Brossmer, who was described earlier in the evening as “tough” and “a man of few words,” was visually emotional when it came time for him to officially step down.

“I’m very proud of our accomplishments in the past eight years and I hope our constituents feel the same way,” said Brossmer. “Thank you to the residents of Downey for electing me twice. I fully acknowledge the trust and responsibility that being elected was, and I worked hard to conduct myself and represent them in a way that would honor their support.

"To our current council, I want to thank you for your support and your continued hard work. I am proud of the work that we have done together and completed together….lastly I need to thank my family, with which I would not be able to do this…”

New Councilmembers Take Their Seats

Flanked by their families and loved ones, Blanca Pacheco, Rick Rodriguez, and Alex Saab were sworn into office, officially kicking off the new term.

Each individual was allowed to address the crowded room with a few words after they completed taking their oaths.

Blanca Pacheco expressed her enthusiasm to begin working with her fellow colleagues on the council.

“I am incredibly humbled to be here today as your new elected city council woman for District 1. I am proud to say that today is a historic event, and the reason is because I am the first Latina here voted into city council,” said Pacheco.

“I’m ready and I’m anxious to serve with our council members, Mayor Alex Saab, Mayor Pro Tem Fernando Vasquez, and our other council members including Rick Rodriguez. My goal will be to serve with dignity and transparency. As a city council member I will be here for the people. I will have an open door policy. I will advocate for improvements and projects that will better our community, and better our streets and parks, and increase public safety.

There is so much that I would like to do for our city and our community, and I’m glad that I can start this journey today.”

Rick Rodriguez, who will now preside over District 3, emphasized his goals to use his newly acquired position to benefit public safety, veterans, and at risk children.

“I’m not a politician; I’m a servant leader,” said Rodriguez. “…it’s not so much being elected; it’s a wonderful thing being elected and earning the votes…but the real issue now is service. The real issue now is to be transparent, to be available, and what I like to call being “F.A.T.” – faithful, available, and teachable…”

Newly reelected Mayor Alex Saab kept his comments brief.

“It has been an overwhelming warmness to serve our community, as a council, as a city,” said Saab. “I promise to continue to serve all of you ethically. I will not embarrass your family or mine, more importantly ours, and will continue the path of transparency…”

Rick Rodriguez, Blanca Pacheco installed as Downey City Council members