Mike Restuccia is back.
But it’s not like he went away.
Restuccia along with incumbent Dean Uecker was elected Tuesday to the Ripon City Council, where he last served in 2008.
“I’ve never left,” he said that day after the general elections.
By that, Restuccia has remained active in his community, serving on the Ripon Consolidated Fire District board along with the San Joaquin County Retirement Association board, SJ Regional Transit board, the SJC Council of Governments and SJ Rail Commission.
He was especially proud of the recent grand opening of the fire district’s 6,500-square-foot substation east of Highway 99.
“It was a nice (dedication) ceremony,” said Restuccia, who was thrilled with the support given to Fire Chief Dennis Bitters from the community and dignitaries to mark this special occasion.
During election night, the financial institution examiner saw some of the early returns before calling it a night.
With two available seats in what was still a three-candidate race – Shane Smith withdrew a few months ago in support of Restuccia, but by then it was too late to take his name off the ballot – Restuccia and Uecker continued to actively campaign during the final weeks.
Restuccia has three terms on the council under his belt. He’s continued to keep track on what’s going on in Ripon and thus won’t need too much to catch up to speed upon his return.
He has an MBA in banking and, 15 years ago, sold the one he owned. Restuccia has been working for a company that for the past 10 years audit banks.
A resident of Ripon for over 25 years, he and wife, Mona, have been married for 30 years.
Moving forward, Restuccia would like to see the City come together with Ripon Unified, the Chamber of Commerce, fire district and local businesses.
“We have such a great team,” he said not too long ago. “We just need to put it all together.”
Other from that, Restuccia is looking forward to re-joining the council.
“There isn’t anything here that needs fixing,” he said. “The City is not broke.
“This is a Council that’s strong and morally ethical.”
Restuccia, in addition, will continue to support public – in particular, the first responders (police, firefighters, and EMTs) – for preserving public safety.