The deadline to apply for an appointment to Chula Vista City Council as District 4 representative is today, March 15.
For those who think they have what it takes to play politics and represent the needs of a diverse and vocal constituency, the next few weeks of waiting will be eventful.
The current city council vacancy was created after Andrea Cardenas resigned her post in February, conceding she was, in fact, guilty of a purse full of charges levied at her by the District Attorney’s office, confirming allegations that she ripped off the federal and state governments.
Voting to appoint someone to fill the position, the remaining council has until April 11 to make its decision.
Given that Cardenas was up for reelection this year, the term will only last a few months.
Currently another council seat is represented by someone who was appointed and not elected—District 3’s Alonso Gonzalez.
Gonzalez joined the council in February 2023, after then-representative Steve Padilla booked a passage to the State Senate in the 2022 November election.
So, if all goes well and the city council does find a replacement for Cardenas by their April deadline, voters in District 3 and 4, and the rest of the city of Chula Vista will be represented not by people who were elected but by appointees. It’s not a shining example of representative democracy but extenuating events have contributed to extenuating circumstances. Given that roughly 34 percent of eligible voters countywide bothered to cast ballots, it’s probable most of the residents directly affected by this most recent vacancy and its filling will barely notice. Their lives roll merrily on, unencumbered by thoughts of city government and its function.
Those that are paying attention and are bothered by the appointment process can take solace in knowing that once Cardenas’ substitute is named the District 3 and District 4 seat warming jobs will last only for the rest of the year, as November ushers in contests to find duly elected representatives to take over.
So have patience, if all goes well Chula Vista by late 2024 will have a city council that is filled with people who have been elected. Consider it an appointment with democracy.
