Gerardo "Jerry" Anaya is in his first full week as the new mayor of Somerton. He was sworn in Nov. 20 along with two returning council members and one new councilman.
Anaya, who previously served as vice mayor, was sworn in at a meeting before a stsnding-room only crowd at Somerton City Hall.
Outgoing Mayor Jose Yepez offered his congratulations and expressed his pride in serving Somerton as mayor.
Anaya said he will continue to pursue new businesses and services for Somerton residents. Just down the street is Coffeeton, a recently opened coffee shop, and Anaya said more is on the way.
"(We need to have) a more aggressive policy on economic development," he said. "We've got to have our economic development director go out and talk to future investors and hopefully attract businesses to Somerton."
Anaya, who grew up in Somerton, has said another major issue for the council is opening a high school in town.
He was sworn in along with re-elected councilmen Miguel Villalpando and Carlos Gonzalez and newly-elected councilman Juan Castillo.
Among those in attendance were San Luis Mayor Gerardo Sanchez, San Luis Rio Colorado Mayor Santos Gonzalez Yescas, incoming state House Democratic Leader Charlene Fernandez and Yuma County Supervisor Martin Porchas.
