Germaine McClellan Key has been appointed Fontana city clerk through the end of the year.
The parks and recreation commissioner replaces longtime City Clerk Tonia “Toni” Lewis, who retired Feb. 2 with more than 10 months remaining in her four-year term.
Six qualified candidates applied to fill the post in the interim.
Key separated herself from other applicants by outlining a 100-day action plan for her time in office, Councilman Phillip Cothran said Tuesday, March 22.
“I appreciate the support I received from the mayor and this great council,” Key, a longtime Fontana resident who retired a handful of years ago from a 45-year career working in large government programs in Michigan and Los Angeles, said after being sworn in Tuesday. “I pledge to do the best job I can for the city of Fontana.
“I always pledge, wherever I live, to be actively involved in the improvement and the betterment of my community,” she said. “I will take the same commitment toward this office.”
Cothran was joined by Mayor Acquanetta Warren and council members Peter Garcia and John Roberts in approving Key’s appointment.
Councilman Jesse Sandoval, who favored another candidate, dissented.
According to her statement of interest, Key sees the city clerk’s position as integral to “the creation of historical records of city functions.”
Within 100 days, she said she intends to increase her knowledge of the scope of responsibilities, skills and duties of the position; engage in relationship building with both local and regional entities relative to city government; establish collaborative relationships with other elected city clerks in neighboring cities; establish membership to affiliate organizations; and complete the necessary training and educational opportunities required of the role.
Ensuring voting opportunities are offered to all Fontana residents is critical, Key added. “And to ensure the voting process is free of political influence.”
Key is the second person this month to be appointed to a top role at City Hall.
On March 9, Fontana leaders tapped Matt Ballantyne to serve as city manager. He begins April 18.
The city clerk’s seat appears on the Nov. 8 ballot, along with the mayor’s seat, two council positions and the city treasurer post.
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