Reorganized City Council Begins Business of Moving On

Menifee Mayor Scott Mann presents a portrait to outgoing council member Tom Fuhrman.

With virtually no reference to the mudslinging and accusations of the recent city elections, the fourth generation of the Menifee City Council was organized Wednesday night with the five men now seated at the dais indicating they are ready to move on and work together for the good of the city.

It has been a tumultuous three-plus months since campaigning began in earnest for the mayor's position and two other council seats. The controversies included allegations of campaign sign tampering and the anonymous distribution of inflammatory fliers. Council member Tom Fuhrman was arrested on a felony corruption charge. Mayor Scott Mann was accused of taking part in a smear campaign two years ago. Newly elected council member Matt Liesemeyer had to answer to the revelation of a felony arson conviction 19 years ago.

For an election season that had a little bit of everything, Wednesday night's city council meeting was remarkably tame. Mann, who has been openly critical of Fuhrman in the past, shook Furhman's hand and thanked him for his service as Fuhrman surrendered his council seat to Liesemeyer (at left, being sworn in by city clerk Kathy Bennett).

Fuhrman described his term as District 2 council representative as "a wonderful four year-experience."

Mann, Liesemeyer and re-elected District 4 representative John Denver were all given loud ovations as they took the oath of office. Fuhrman was given a standing ovation upon his exit.

And Menifee moves on.

"I know that you have thought for a long, long time that I harbor some grudge against you," Mann said to Fuhrman at the start of the reorganization procedure. "That simply is not the case and it is far from the truth ... we wish you well."

Fuhrman, who ran for re-election on the platform of being a champion for rights of rural property owners and small business owners, was involved in a series of battles with the city over alleged zoning violations on his Menifee ranch during his term on the council. He also faces a Dec. 18 court date to answer charges from the District Attorney's office for alleged conflict of interest regarding a government code.

Yet despite the controversy surrounding him, few have doubted Fuhrman's real desire to stand up for the long-time Menifee resident and rural land owner. During his brief address to the crowd upon leaving the dais, Fuhrman urged residents to "make sure you watch over the campaign promises and see that they're kept."

In preparing to replace Fuhrman in District 2, Liesemeyer first had to deny allegations that his primary concern is commercial development. Then he had to explain a 1995 conviction for a fire set when he was 18 -- a case, which he says was dismissed 10 years ago, that did not preclude him from being eligible for holding office.

But like Mann -- who never confirmed or denied his role in a smear campaign against an opponent in the last election -- Liesemeyer focused only on the road ahead Tuesday night.

"I'd like to thank everyone who stood on street corners with me, who knocked on all those doors," said Liesemeyer, previously chair of the Planning Commission. "I know I still have a lot to learn, and I hope to spend some time with the staff that will clarify my perception and understanding of how the city works."

In accepting another term as mayor, Mann said "Menifee has many challenges and opportunities ... these are not all easy tasks, but I know we can accomplish great things when we work together."

Denver (above right) was unanimously selected as mayor pro tem. He thanked his wife and campaign manager, Linda for her tireless service and support.

Council member Wallace Edgerton, known for his rambling speeches during council meetings, was remarkably quiet this time. He did, however, voice his support for those elected to the three council seats.

"Previously, the council has been a bit split," he said. "The people have spoken, and I genuinely look forward to working with the mayor and the council."

Scott Mann, his hand on a Bible provided by pastor Chris Suitt, takes the oath of office as mayor.