Los Banos mayor resigns with three months left on his term: ‘It has been an honor’
Los Banos Mayor Tom Faria announced he’s resigning with three months left on his team.
Faria, 61, sent a letter of resignation to Los Banos interim city manager Greg Wellman on Friday, stating he’s moving and will no longer be a Los Banos resident as of Saturday.
Faria spent 16 years on the Los Banos City Council and almost two as mayor.
“It’s an emotional thing because you build your life there,” Faria told the Sun-Star. “I moved to Los Banos with my wife one month after we got married. It’s the place I raised my family. My daughter still lives there with her family.”
Faria retired in June after teaching music in Los Banos for 37 years. He taught music to every grade level in Los Banos, including at Merced College.
Faria said his house sold quicker than he expected, so he’ll be unable to finish his term as mayor.
It’s unclear if the City Council will appoint a new mayor before November’s election. Paul Llanez is running unopposed.
“It has been an honor to serve my city for 16 years, first as a council member, and, as for the last two years as mayor,” Faria wrote in his resignation letter.
Faria stated he was proud of many accomplishments during his time in city government, including the construction of a new county courthouse, police station, fire training tower and schools, and the passing of Measure H that improved public safety.
During his time as mayor, Faria said the city worked hard to tackle the homeless issue. He said they’ve made great strides but there is still work to be done.
“Mayor Faria, by his dedication and commitment to his duties and the community of Los Banos, has greatly contributed to the governmental process of the City of Los Banos and we offer him our sincere gratitude and appreciation for his many years of service,” Wellman stated in a city-issued news release.
Faria did not want to disclose where he’s moving.
“Thirty-seven years is a long time to be in the pubic eye,” Faria said. “Now it’s time to rest.”
