Founding City Council Member Sophia Scherman Honored

On the event of the swearing-in of two council members and newly elected mayor, the Elk Grove City Council also honored outgoing Council Member Sophia Scherman at last night's regular meeting.

Scherman, one of the founding council members from Elk Grove's incorporation in 2000, had the district she represented for the the last 12 years eliminated following the decennial reapportionment and the creation of a new seat occupied by direct election of a mayor. Following the reapportionment plan approved by the city council last year, Scherman unsuccessfully ran for the State Assembly and Elk Grove mayor.

During the public comment portion of the meeting several community leaders thanked Scherman for her years of service to the city council, her prior elected service on the community services district, being a role model for other women in the community and as small business owner and advocate.

During those testimonials and when the council recognized her later in the meeting, Scherman was visibly moved by the expressions of goodwill. She joked that on the 12th day of the 12th month and in the 12th year of the century she was ending her 12 years of service.

"I bought a lottery ticket today, I really did," she quipped.

Scherman thanked her fellow council members, constituents and the city staff in her comments. As the only women who has served on the city council, Scherman also made a special point to reach out to young women and encouraged them to become totally involved.

"Don't let anyone tell you the you can't reach you goal," she advised.