He first campaigned in 1980, and after 10 years of work and four lost elections, he finally took his seat in 1990, overpowering both incumbents in that contest. He would become the minority in a 4-1 voting bloc during his four years in office, but said he found ways to work with others despite the differences. “I never attacked their administration, so I was able to work with them somewhat,” Mercado said. He said the highlights of his term in office, which included one year as mayor pro tem, includes ordinances that regulated vendors, placed requirements on property maintenance, and allowed residents to use a great percentage of their lots to build homes and additions. Now, Mercado is lighthearted about some of his responsibilities, like chairing the Blue Ribbon Committee. “That’s the fun part,” Mercado said. “The biggest goal I have is just to keep everyone together and informed.” Mercado said he has similar goals for more serious issues within the Planning Commission and the Pico Water District. Among his plans for his term are newsletters for each to tell residents how decisions affect them. According to him, this is especially important for the water district. “People don’t know how serious the water situation is in California,” Mercado said. “I’m willing to have open meetings, public meetings, to get the word out.” Esther Celiz, who heads the Planning Commission and works on the Blue Ribbon Committee, said she enjoys working with Mercado because of that openness and willingness to help. “He’s my right hand,” Celiz said. “He helps me. He’s very informative. You can count on him, because he’s an honest intelligent citizen in our community who cares.” Mayor Ron Beilke said he expects Mercado’s comeback will be long-term, and may even extend beyond his current responsibilities. “He’s been more involved in a lot of other races, supporting candidates, especially on the north side,” Beilke said. “Who knows? He may make a run for council again someday.” airan.scruby@sgvn.com (562) 698-0955, Ext. 3029160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! PICO RIVERA – One former councilman in Pico Rivera is finding himself in the spotlight again as he returns to public life in new roles in his home city. Rick Mercado, 73, served in the Department of Public Works as a building inspector and later became a city councilman in 1990, but lost in the 1994 election to a challenger. Now, however, he is returning to city politics and activism with new goals for the expanding city. “It’s like a turnaround in my life that makes me very happy and excites me a lot,” Mercado said. AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREPettersson scores another winner, Canucks beat KingsAppointed to the Planning Commission by Councilman Bob Archuleta in March, Mercado was elected to the Pico Water District’s Board of Directors this month, and was selected to head the Blue Ribbon Committee, which will plan the city’s 50th anniversary celebrations next year. Officials said they are excited to work with a man they consider a source of city memories and wisdom. “He’s definitely one of our elder statesmen, if not the elder statesman in Pico Rivera,” Mercado said. “I know that since I’ve been in office, I’ve turned to him many times for advice and direction.” Mercado and his wife, Lydia Mae, moved to Pico Rivera in 1965, buying the house they still live in on Bridgeview Avenue. In 1972, he got a job working for the city in Public Works, and after taking college courses and applying a few times, he got a job as a building inspector in 1979. “Then I decided I wanted to find out if I could go ahead and take a seat on the City Council,” Mercado said.
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