Politics & Government

Elected Trio Brings Changes to City Leadership

Mayor Al Nagy, Councilwoman Sucy Collazo and Councilman Luis Freitas are sworn into their respective seats Thursday night.

For the first time since 1978, a new elected mayor sits on the Newark City Council.

Mayor Al Nagy officially took over the mayoral seat during a Thursday night full of change, gratitude and congratulations. He becomes the third elected mayor to serve the City of Newark.

One by one, and two councilmembers stood next to family members beaming with pride to take the Oath of Office for their respective seats.

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A round of applause roared through the City Council Chamber as the new city council took their seats at Thursday’s council meeting.

Sitting immediately to Nagy’s right was Councilman Luis Freitas, who has sat on the council since 1995.

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To Nagy’s left sat Councilwoman Sucy Collazo, who replaces former Councilman Alberto Huezo and is the newest member to the temporary four-member city council.

With four yes votes, councilwoman Ana Apodaca was appointed as the new council’s vice mayor.

Former Mayor David Smith, who is a longtime friend of Nagy’s, had only positive sentiments toward his fellow councilmembers and the new mayor.

“Al Nagy has been working as a better Newark since I first met him,” Smith said. “He bleeds Newark. He bled Newark before I even got to Newark and he will continue to work…I know you will continue to work for a better Newark,” he said to Nagy  in front of a crowd of more than 100.

And Nagy shared the same sentiment toward Smith, who has been mayor since 1978.

“I hope you realize how much the fabric of Dave Smith is woven in the cloth of this community … I, along with all Newark citizens, am appreciative of all the work you have done,” Nagy said.

Nagy called Smith and Huezo’s departure a “bittersweet time” for the council. Smith leaves behind 33 years as mayor and Huezo has worked with the City of Newark in various roles for more than 35 years.

“That’s over 65 years of knowledge, dedication, hardwork that will now be missing [from the council],” Nagy said.

But the new mayor said he’ll work toward his goals of making public safety, economic development and building the quality of life of Newark his top priorities.

“I have been working for a better Newark for 31 years. …I’m now looking forward to continuing that work by serving as your mayor,” Nagy said.

Apodaca expressed optimism in getting to work with Nagy, Freitas and Collazo. She also spoke of her gratitude for Smith and Nagy.

“I want to thank the both of you. Having grown up in Newark, it’s a wonderful city and I have wonderful memories because of you two. It’s been a pleasure serving with you,” Apodaca said.

said they were appreciative of the support they have received and hope for the future of Newark.

“Many things have been accomplished here. Today, I’m full of energy again to start a new term,” Freitas said.

Collazo, who considered running for city council after Huezo encouraged her to do so, made one promise: To do the best she can do.

“I’ll study had, learn so I can do the best I can for Newark,” Collazo said. “I know that I have a lot of learning to do, but I have wonderful people teaching me along the way. I don’t see you as residents of Newark, I see you as my family. “

 The City Council will hold a special meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 to decide whether to call for an election or appoint an individual in order to fill the vacant seat caused by Nagy’s appointment as mayor.

To learn more about the members of the Newark City Council, click here.


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