Union City Welcomes Carol Dutra-Vernaci as New Mayor [Video]

Union City welcomed its fourth mayor — and the first female mayor in the Tri-City area — Tuesday night. 

Carol Dutra-Vernaci was sworn in before a crowded City Hall during a special ceremony along with councilman Jim Navarro, who begins his third and final term on City Council. The two served on the council together before Dutra-Vernaci’s term expired in 2010 after 13 years in office.

Tuesday night was also the last meeting presided over by Mark Green, the longest serving mayor in Union City’s history, who was termed out after 19 years in office.

“I think it’s time for a three-week filibuster,” Green joked before thanking his supporters and peers.

Navarro and Dutra-Vernaci both commending Green for his years of service.

“I want to thank Mark Green for his forward-thinking leadership,” Navarro said during his speech. “He gave us 22 years of his life serving the public. Mark’s efforts put Union City and Alameda County on the map, and put our city on the forefront.”

Dutra-Vernaci referred to herself as Green’s understudy and thanked the long-serving leader for “showing me the way,” she said.

“It’s been a heck of a ride,” Dutra-Vernaci said of their time on Union City’s leadership team. “Mark, I thank you for all that I’ve learned from you.”

Both Dutra-Vernaci and Navarro also gave thanks to their supporters, spouses — Navarro’s wife broke an ankle while bringing food to volunteers during his first campaign — families and colleagues, as well as laid down their plans for the future.

Navarro, who beat political newcomer Jose Estrella in the November election, noted the economic crisis the country faces and the impacts locally.

“As elected officials we have made it our duty to budget responsibly, and because of that, Union City is well positioned to come out of this recession in tact,” Navarro said. “As we near this new year, we will take what we learned and continue to move forward and capitalize on new opportunities. We will see many projects completed and will confront the new issues that lie ahead.”

“There’s no doubt in my mind that we live in the best city in America. Together we will continue to keep our city beautiful, progressive and a safe place to live,” he added.

Dutra-Vernaci also talked about her plans for tackling the economic challenges.

“Our own city’s financial situation is difficult to predict because of fluctuating revenues and expenses. What I see is a balanced budget for Union City, a budget built on analysis and thorough due diligence,” Vernaci said.

Among her priorities, Dutra-Vernaci listed increasing Union City’s job base, forming partnerships with real estate experts to help increase home values, implementing more disaster preparedness efforts in the wake of superstorms and changing climates, creating safer neighborhoods, and increasing communication between citizens and government.

“No matter what our challenges are, we are prepared to roll up our sleeves and do what it takes to find the best solutions for our city,” Dutra-Vernaci said. “As we look forward to the new year, let’s all work together, one by one, neighbor with neighbor and community with community to build a better Union City.”

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