Politics & Government

Retired Encinitas Fire Chief Muir Sworn in to City Council

Hundreds turned out to protest and support his appointment to office.

There was standing room only inside Encinitas City Hall on Wednesday night as recently retired Fire Chief Mark Muir was sworn into City Council before at least 300 residents, some of who were there to lend support — and some of who wanted their disapproval known. 

Muir, who just stepped from his post as fire chief on Tuesday so he could take office, was appointed to the seat last week , with Councilwoman Teresa Barth opposed. That move by the council majority hasn’t sat well with who claim it was an act of cronyism because Muir has publicly campaigned for Mayor James Bond and Deputy Mayor Jerome Stocks. Bond and Stocks have , saying they picked Muir purely because his 24-year track record of working for the city made him the most qualified candidate.

Wednesday night some residents wearing “Thank you Mark” stickers sat next to residents waving “Dump Stocks” signs, illustrating the community friction that has been sparked.

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Moments before Muir took his oath, at least 200 residents had convened outside City Hall   

“This one of the most blatant acts of cronyism, conflict of interest, and corruption — it stinks all the way around,” protest organizer Steve Meiche told the audience. “Change has to start somewhere, and it starts here, tonight. It’s important to carry this momentum through election time next year.”

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As those residents rallied outside City Hall, Muir’s supporters gathered inside. Among them was Environmental Advisory Commissioner Gregory Barth, who told the council that he thought Muir was the most qualified candidate because “invariably his specific qualifications of working in this city, and working throughout the halls of the city, in cooperation with many parts of the city — there was no contest.”

Muir will serve the remainder of Houlihan’s term, which ends in December 2012. He has publicly stated that is not sure if he will run for election.

Muir retired Tuesday from his post as fire chief. During Wednesday’s council meeting, Mayor Bond announced that Encinitas Deputy Fire Chief Henry Scott had been appointed as the new fire chief. 

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