Larry Greene announces his resignation from City Council

Larry Greene

City of Canyon Lake Mayor Pro Tem Larry Greene announced at last week’s city council meeting that he would be moving on Nov. 1 to Montana and would, consequently, need to resign from the city council. The city is seeking applications for those who would like to be considered to be appointed in his place. The application period closes Oct. 6 at 5:00 p.m.

Larry said he will step down when the successor is named at the Oct. 12 city council meeting.

“It’s been a real honor to have served this community,” Larry said at the meeting. “One of the things I’m very proud about is that a true leader doesn’t do everything themselves…it’s the team that they develop. We’ve got a great team.”

During the next couple of weeks applicants seeking to fill Larry’s vacancy will need to contact the city for the application. An eligible applicant must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the City of Canyon Lake, and legally registered to vote at the applicant’s current address.

Interested individuals can contact City Clerk Ana Sauceda to receive an application and will be required to schedule an appointment to return the completed forms. To receive an application or make an appointment, applicants will need to call 951-244-8547 or send an email to asauseda@canyonlakeca.gov. The application will then need to be filled out and returned so it arrives no later than 5:00 p.m. on Oct. 6.

An ad-hoc committee of the city council will review all applications and invite the most qualified applicants to interview before the City Council at its regularly-scheduled City Council Meeting on Oct.12. The selected candidate will be sworn-in as a member of the city council immediately following the appointment that night and Larry’s resignation will become effective.

City Manager Chris Mann said the city is planning on a formal farewell for Larry at the October city council meeting. However, the members of the council weren’t waiting until then to comment on how they’ll miss Larry on the council.

“It’s been an honor to serve with you,” Mayor Jeremy Smith told Larry after he announced his resignation. “I’ve learned so much. I think we’ve done some good stuff together over the last more than three and a half years now. I’m excited for your next chapter…it’s going to be a good one. I know you’ll pick up the phone when we have questions.”

The councilmembers then took turns acknowledging the outgoing member of the city council.

“You have been a mentor for me,” Councilmember Kasey Castillo said. “I wish you the very best.”

The creation of the City of Canyon Lake Fire Department during Larry’s tenure was a signature achievement for him and the council.

“Talking about the right person at the right place,” Councilmember Dale Welty said. “We were struggling how we were going to handle our fire service. Larry came in and guided us through a complicated process. I don’t know if we’d be where we are today if it hadn’t been for Larry stepping up.”

Councilmember Jennifer Dain thanked Larry for his support while she navigated being the new member of the council.

“This will be a big loss to the city,” Chris said in conclusion. “Nobody will be able to really fill your shoes. You’ve been a rock with this organization.”