Former Vice Mayor Ann Waltonsmith will be leading the council through some hot issues this year as the city's 26th mayor.

"It's a pleasure to see friends and acquaintances here tonight to help the council move into a new year with new issues brewing, some of them being extremely serious," said Waltonsmith in her two-minute prepared speech. "We want and need your support."

In the beginning of her speech, Waltonsmith thanked her husband, Rick, who was in the audience, for his support. She also thanked the spouses of fellow council members for their support, stating that "spouses are an integral part of volunteer work."

Moving on to the core of her speech, Waltonsmith touched upon two major issues—the city's budget in relation to the state legislature, the new governor and local business and maintaining the city's infrastructures.

Uncertain of where funds from vehicle license fees will go, Waltonsmith said that it is important to continue to support local businesses, which bring in revenue from sales taxes.

"Our destiny is connected to both the state's fiscal policies and our local business community's success," she said.

In closing, Waltonsmith encouraged her fellow council members to keep discussions open to the public and to be responsive to citizens.

"As they say, the buck stops here on our desks," she said. "I feel ready for the challenge."

Before Mayor Nick Streit handed over the gavel to Waltonsmith, he offered some words of reflection.

"In each of our lifetimes, we encounter marquee events that change our lives," said Streit, who will still remain on the council. "For me, some of the many marquee events in my life were my election to the Saratoga City Council in 1998 and my appointment as mayor. Thank you for allowing me to serve the people of Saratoga. It has truly been a great honor, a privilege and, personally, most rewarding."

Filling in Waltonsmith's former position as vice mayor will be Kathleen King.

"My primary goal is to support the mayor," King said. "I'm glad we have similar interests."

As part of her speech, King pointed out certain attributes that she admired in her fellow council members. She thanked Councilmen Norman Kline and Stan Bogosian for their "insightful questions and ability to develop quick solutions." She also that she would like to emulate many of the skills displayed by Streit and Waltonsmith.

On top of her list of things to do were finding ways to get residents more involved in community affairs and improving the annexation process.

Kline and Bogosian also had some words to add to the event. Kline commended commissioners for their share in helping to create a friendlier and more smoothly run city.

"It's amazing how much work commissioners do day in and day out," Kline said. "Without these commissions, we wouldn't be doing much up here."

Bogosian offered best wishes to Waltonsmith and King and promised to do his share in helping to remedy issues stirring in the community—in particular, the potential cut in the city's budget.

"Let's all do our homework," he said. "I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and pitch in wherever I can."

The 30-minute meeting was adjourned by Waltonsmith, who used the gavel for the first time.