Erin Onnen and Margaret Connell on Dec. 2 respectively became Goleta’s new mayor and mayor pro tempore. Onnen replaces Roger Aceves and will hold the position until December 2010.

Onnen, Aceves and Connell serve on the Goleta City Council. The council rotates the mayor post to a different member each year.

In his acceptance speech, Onnen thanked the council and commended Aceves for his hard work and leadership during last year’s term.

Aceves’ term was an active one. It included overseeing the completion of the Sumida Gardens residential rental units and the Armitos Park public playground.

Aceves also oversaw the creation of a municipal code and more than 100 amendments to the city’s general plan, which sets out goals for the city’s undeveloped land. Under Aceves’ leadership, Goleta turned from a budget deficit to a surplus.

Along with their new mayoral positions, Onnen and Connell were also appointed as chair and vice chair, respectively, of Goleta’s redevelopment agency. That body focuses on improving the Goleta Old Town area by renovating buildings and carrying out the council’s new seven-step economic development plan.

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