Wilson was appointed to the City Council in 2015 to fill a vacant seat and in 2017, he was elected to represent District 7. He served as Vice Mayor from 2020-2022.
“It’s truly been an honor and privilege to serve the wonderful residents of Pasadena in close collaboration with our professional staff and you, my colleagues,” Wilson said. “I always have thought of myself first as a public servant and a politician second. Every day I remind myself when I wake up of my commitment and obligation to serve our amazing community to the best of my ability.”
Wilson said for a city as diverse and complex as Pasadena, progress only comes through collaboration and compromise.
“We have so many worthy and often competing agendas that we must navigate and reconcile.”
“For example, more affordable housing without over-densification, sensitive community policing while keeping our neighborhoods and streets safe, respecting the rights of our unhoused neighbors while maintaining quality and life for citizens and businesses, enhancing walkability and biking while acknowledging that cars still play a significant role for many people.”
Wilson acknowledged and expressed gratitude to members of the public who make Councilmembers better policymakers. He also thanked all of his colleagues and left a message to each one of them.
“Tyron Hampton, it’s been exciting to serve with someone like you who shares such a deep passion for economic development,” said Wilson. “Your positive disposition is always uplifting.”
“Gene Masuda, I have always been impressed by your deep commitment to the priorities of district 4 and your consistent kind and gentle nature.”
“Steve Madison, I’ve been continuously impressed by your mastery of the Council role, especially the wisdom you bring to various legal litigation matters.”
He acknowledged and thanked Councilmembers Justin Jones for his focus, intellectual rigor and positive attitude, Felicia Williams for not being afraid to ask hard questions, Jess Rivas for her commitment to various causes and governing from the heart, Mayor Victor Gordo for his guidance and mentorship and for his “consistent positive attitude even when faced with difficult challenges.”
“I feel so lucky to have served with such a wonderful set of colleagues. Perhaps, one day I will join you once again but for now, I’m committed to exploring new high-impact opportunities to serve our amazing city and our dynamic region.”
In closing, Wilson challenged his colleagues to continue to champion their ideas everyday.
“Never let the political process prevent you from bringing your A game.”
“Be bold and creative in your pursuit of community betterment. Myself and others will be cheering you on.”
[Please see Guest Op/Ed for all of his comments.]
Before making his speech, Wilson received several gifts from the City Council and various organizations.
He received a certificate stating that a tree will be planted in a park location in District 7 in honor of his service, and a blanket, among others, from the city executive leadership team.
Rose Bowl Operating Company CEO Jens Weiden gave him Rose Bowl items for being a “great driver for the Rose Bowl,” while Misch Anderson, representing Complete Streets Coalition presented to him the organization’s first-ever Golden Shoelaces Award “for setting the gold standard for leadership in complete streets for the people of Pasadena.”
The organization also recognized his dog Gandalf and gave him the Golden Bone Award for the many miles of sidewalk he has walked together with the Vice Mayor.
Wilson also received certificates of recognition from the offices of Senator Anthony Portantino and Assemblymember Chris Holden.
The Vice Mayor, who was replaced by Jason Lyon as District 7 representative and was sworn in at the same meeting, will continue to serve the public through the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority Board where he was recently appointed.
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