New Hollister District 3 City Councilman Karson Klauer, a former star athlete at San Benito High School and San Jose State baseball player, took the oath of office Monday — the same day the city presented retiring community services director Clay Lee with a proclamtion honoring his nearly 30 years with the city.
Klauer, a local Realtor, thanked his fellow councilmembers and other city staff for their hospitality and said that he is "really excited to be on board" and that he hoped to accomplish a lot over the next few years. Councilman Victor Gomez, who was elected six years ago at age 29, pointed out that the 26-year-old Klauer had him beat for distinction of the youngest current councilmember at the time of their election.
Mayor Ignacio Velazquez presented Lee with a plaque honoring his service, calling him "a person that has given so much to our city; meant so much to our city."
Lee called his time with the city "a wonderful journey" while wishing Klauer and fellow newly-elected councilmember Mickie Solorio-Luna good luck. Lee thanked his wife of 33 years, Marianne, for her support, and said his decision to move to Hollister in the mid-80s "the right choice … it's been a wonderful time."