In keeping with Oakley tradition, the City Council voted this week to promote the current vice mayor – in this case, Kevin Romick – to the role of mayor in 2012. Councilwoman Carol Rios was selected to replace Romick as vice mayor.

Oakley City Council members are elected to four-year terms, but the mayoralty operates on an annual rotation. Newly appointed Mayor Romick said he plans to build on the previous year’s successful programs led by outgoing Mayor Jim Frazier.

Romick’s plan for 2012 is to continue moving the Downtown Specific Plan forward, starting with the revitalization of Oakley Plaza. The new Oakley Council, led by Romick, voted on Tuesday to approve a redesign of the CentroMart building and the chain of stores located to the rear of the shopping center. Signs recently went up downtown to promote the construction of the new Carpaccio’s Italian restaurant, scheduled to break ground early next year at the corner of Oakley Plaza. Romick, who is serving his second term as mayor, also plans to continue to move the Oakley First campaign forward, encouraging residents to shop locally so that city services benefit from the sales tax revenue.

Another goal for 2012 is to finally take over Main Street. In his outgoing comments, Frazier said Oakley is scheduled to gain control of Main Street in February, and Romick said this long-awaited change of power will be a big step for Oakley, allowing for growth and an improvement in street maintenance for the city’s main vein. Road improvements such as the recently completed Empire Avenue enhancements will continue to be a priority. The city has secured funds to continue making local roadways safer for drivers and pedestrians.

Road safety and enhancement was one of the highlights of Frazier’s list of accomplishments. He helped secure funds for the Sand Creek interchange on the Highway 4 Bypass and for the Highway 160 interchange. Both projects are scheduled to begin next year.

Frazier identifed the groundbreaking of the Oakley Generating Station, the opening of La Clinica and HALO House and the raising of funds to bring a second K-9 unit to the Oakley Police Department as further highlights of 2011. He also thanked the council for its support of the all-abilities playground that will open at Crockett Park early next year.

“It’s been a pleasure representing the city of Oakley as your mayor,” Frazier said. “We’ve worked hard. We’ve made some big accomplishments this year.”

Before Frazier officially stepped down as mayor on Tuesday, he was honored by proclamations from the office of County Supervisor Mary Piepho, Assemblymember Joan Buchanan and Sen. Mark DeSaulnier. Each councilmember also presented Frazier with a gift to honor his year of service to the city. Frazier will remain on the council for one more year before his term expires but will not seek re-election. He has already announced plans to run for the California State Assembly in 2012.