The City of Antioch welcomed Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock and Councilman Tony Tiscareno to the City Council Tuesday evening after they took the Oath of Office.
Ogorchock and Tiscareno will join Mayor Wade Harper, Mary Rocha and Monica Wilson on the council.
Ogorchock, who was the top vote getter in the November 2014 election, received 23.34% of the vote (6,410) while Tiscareno won his seat with 21.99% of the vote (6,041).
Tuesday evening, Mayor Wade Harper administered the Oath of Office to Tiscareno while Supervisor Mary Piepho administered the oath to Ogorchock.
Tiscareno stated he was thankful he was no longer appointed, and could now say he is elected.
“I can finally say elected councilmember Tony Tiscareno,” joked Tiscareno. “This has been a long grueling campaign and this has been tough. I want to thank my wife Olivia for being by my side. She was there by my side and never complained. I could not have done it without her.”
Tiscareno went on to thank all of his volunteers saying you do not win an election by yourself; it takes a lot of people.
“I am not going to get into agenda items tonight, you know what my platform items were when I ran but my primary purpose is public safety, when I first came in it was economic development and recreation but the way the city has been going, where I think we are as a city council is we are trying to make this a better place. One of the things I do appreciate about this city council is you have not seen any infighting. We have our discussions, we do our due diligence, we talk policy and we get our work done and I am hoping and believe we will be able to continue to do so.
Ogorchock highlighted her agenda and stated she was here to work for the people of Antioch and be their voice.
“Thank you to the citizens of Antioch for electing me to the city council and those who voted for me and those who didn’t. I am here to represent you and work to improve this city for all of our benefit,” stated Ogorchock.
“My top priority is community safety and as we the council move forward working on the budget, I will be looking for ways to redirect funds to our police department with increasing the number of sworn police officers as well as adding more community service officers and adding more code enforcement officers,” stated Ogorchock. “Anything we can do to get more officers on the streets must be done.”
Ogorchock also stated that the City of Antioch must adopt a mutli-housing crime prevention program and work hand-in-hand with the apartment complex owners and tenants. She also said the city must work with the District Attorney Mark Peterson to establish and incorporate programs.
“Those who commit the crimes within the city have to give back both financially and physically,” stated Ogorchock.
She also explained how Antioch needs to work harder to bring “well paying” jobs to the city. She also encouraged Antioch to be “fair” with businesses and work to restore and revitalize downtown Antioch. She also highlighted the need to work with the seniors.
“Antiochians have spoken and I have listened,” stated Ogorchock. “We must stand up together and work for a united Antioch. I will work very hard and do my very best to make you proud. I am very enthusiastic about being your new council and mayor pro tem and working together with my fellow councilmembers to fulfill our cities vision of making Antioch a better community where we can all live, learn, work, workship and play in a safe and stimulating environment. Thank you for your support and confidence, I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”
During his closing comments of the meeting, Mayor Harper proclaimed the campaigning is over and that councilmembers were already working within the community. He stated his hope the council will host a team-building session.
“My advice to this council is to continue to have a listening ear to what the community is saying and continue to be out there in the community talking to people. Always put the city first, not our personal philosophy or political ideas. Always be prepared to make decisions by studying the materials and get out there into the community and talking to people. Getting to talk to staff and ask questions. Staff is always available,” explained Harper. “It’s helpful that when we make informed decisions we give the community insight to help them understand why we did something.”
Harper thanked the community for the continued support of the council to improve Antioch by passing two ballot measures. He also thanked the City Manager, the Police Chief and all department heads to work to improve the city, as well as the staff at every level.
“Let’s make Antioch together as a City Council a safe and prosperous city. Lets put aside any personal philosophies, personal agenda and lets always put the city first. That is my wish, my goal, and my request of this council,” said Harper.
5 comments
Wade Harper needs to be quiet. I hope Lori will be a pain in his butt and stick with her agenda and beliefs.
Sounds like Harper is either desperate or scared of Ogorchocks big personality which will limit his voice.
Harper is wrong, campaigning has just began because he is up for the mayor’s seat in two years and no doubt he will campaign to be re-elected or run for a County Supervisor, State Assembly or Senate seat. He is using Antioch as a stepping stone. This clown of a mayor is a fool. He says one thing and does another.
Time to scour the city to find 3 candidate we want on the council and campaign with them. We must not let Harper have another 4 years to ruin this city. He certainly wants to run for other offices but we not let that happen either.
I am excited about Lori. Finally, a breath of fresh air. Want Harper out.
So happy Lori is there. Praying for wisdom for her. I believe she honestly cares about what is best for the city of Antioch and not her personal gain. Let’s pray for all of our leaders for the sake of our city.
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