Chula Vista’s newly elected City Council on Tuesday unanimously voted in favor of an appointment to fill the council seat vacated by Mary Salas, who was elected mayor Nov. 4.
Salas was sworn in as Chula Vista’s 40th mayor Tuesday night, leaving her seat vacant with two years left on her City Council term.
With the passage of Prop. B in November, City Council members were left with the task of deciding how to fulfill Salas’ vacant seat, either by calling for a special election or through an appointment.
While an appointment passed unanimously, there were some concerns on who should be appointed to the seat.
“It’s one of those things where I don’t want this to be a political appointment,” said Councilman John McCann.
“I think we need to make sure we are not going to get somebody on here who is going to essentially, again, create some friction on the council, that is more about doing the job and trying to work with each other.”
Councilwoman Pamela Bensoussan echoed McCann’s sentiment.
“I agree with Mr. McCann that the goal would be to appoint somebody who is not overly political,” she said. “I think we should really give it a good attempt to find that person.”
Bensoussan said she prefers someone who can provide experience and additional expertise to the council.
Former City Council candidate Hector Gastelum asked council members during public comment to consider filling the vacant seat through a special election.
“I’m a strong proponent of having the people vote,” he said.
“And even though you’re representatives of the council, but I would really like to leave this to the voters and have a special election.”
Salas said she understood Gastelum’s perspective, but said that council members had to be financially smart.
“(A special election) would be the best form of the Democratic process,” Salas said. “But we also have to balance that with the fiscal concerns of the city and the burden that it will place on the city.”
A special election could cost about $600,000, according to the city clerk.
Salas said $600,000 could pay for other things such as a new fire engine.
Council members agreed to follow the Planning Commision’s appointment procedure.
The process as stated in the city’s municipal code is that the mayor and council members review applications for positions and notify the city clerk in writing of one or more applicants each wishes to nominate for a interview.
The city clerk then tallies the nominations.
The mayor and City Council then sets a time to collectively interview each applicant who received two or more nominations.
Following interviews, the mayor and City Council will select an individual for appointment.
An appointment needs to be made by Jan. 23.
If the City Council can’t decide on an appointee then the vacancy defaults to a special election.
Potential candidates can start applying on the city’s website Monday, Dec. 15, and must submit the application by 5 p.m. Dec. 29.
