Walnut Mayor Tom King to Retire

To the gasp of a surprised crowd, Walnut Mayor Tom King announced Wednesday night that he plans to retire effective July 1.

King, who has served on the City Council since 2012, said that he and his wife recently sold their Walnut home and plan to move out of town.  King also has previously been on the Planning and Parks & Recreation commissions.

He read a letter to his fellow council members, his voice cracking with emotion.

"The last 16 years as a council member and a commissioner have been one of the highest honors of my life," King said. “I have no regrets as I know you will protect the Walnut way of life and remain committed to honest and open government.”

King said the only reason he is leaving town is that his nearly one-acre property is just too large for him and his wife and it was time to downsize. 

The home, where he raised his three children, is meant for a family and that is who recently bought it, King said.

“It’s time to let this beautiful home be shared by a family,” he said.  “A wonderful family has bought the home. They are going to contribute to the community, and life goes on.” 

City Clerk Teresa De Dios said that the council will likely consider ways to fill King's seat at the next meeting.  The seat can't remain vacant, she said.  The city will either have to have a special election or make an appointment, she said.

Father Tony Astudillo, from San Lorenzo Ruiz Community Church, thanked King for his service and said the mayor has always been there for the people.

“I feel to me it is kind of loss for this great city but of course, we take our own journey of life,” he said. 

Several members of the church were in attendance for recognition of Philippine Heritage Day and Astudillo had them give King an ovation.

The council members all said they were surprised by the mayor’s announcement. 

Councilman Eric Ching praised King for his dedication to Walnut.

“With your legacy, it is very difficult for someone to fill your position,” Ching said. 

“Is this a surprise or is this a joke,” Su asked. 

Su lauded King’s leadership and efforts to reach out to the Asian-American community. 

“Tom has been a good leader for the city council,” Su said. “We need more people like you to help the city of Walnut maintain its quality of life.”

Councilwoman Nancy Tragarz called King a mentor and said he “will be greatly missed.”

Mayor Pro Tem Antonio “Tony” Cartagena recalled working with King first on the planning commission and then later on the council. King played a huge part in getting projects done in the city such as the Gymnasium/Teen Center and Meadowpass Road. 

“Walnut was recognized in so many ways and you were instrumental in seeing to it that that happened,” he said.

King said he plans to still stay close to the city and vowed to push for a quality hospital in the region through his work on the board of the Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital in Whittier. 

“I love this town a lot,” he said.  “I take a lot of ownership in this town, but I didn’t do it by myself.”