Grand Terrace Alternative Council Seat Selection Process

When Council Member Darcy McNaboe was elected Mayor in the Nov. 4 election, a vacancy was created on the City Council starting as of Dec. 9. Her term was to end in November 2016 and per California Government Code Section 36512(b) a general law city needs to fill a City Council vacancy within 60 days of the seat becoming vacant. The city has had previously eight prior council seats vacated and of those eight, six council seats were filled by appointment, one by special election and the other was left vacant. The appointment process seems to be the usual solution to this issue, but once it was brought forward to the council on Dec. 9, Council Member Jackie Mitchell wanted the council to consider selecting the second place finisher for the available council seat in the Nov. 4 election, William Hussey, to fill the current vacant slot. Mitchell said, “Since the race was close between Doug Wilson and William, it would make sense for the council to forego the appointment selection process and bring William onto the council. The residents have shown a confidence level in his ability by giving him a large number of votes. The selection process would then be expedited and a popular candidate already known by the voters could be brought onto the council.” Newly-elected Council Member Doug Wilson was opposed to Mitchell’s suggestion because he felt that utilizing the appointment process, as has been done before, gives the opportunity for other candidates to come forward and showcase their skills. “I feel we need to have the residents of Grand Terrace see the pool of talent that would be available for this seat, and then have the council members select the best of the bunch,” said Wilson. Mayor McNaboe was in agreement with Wilson’s summation and felt the appointment process would not create a fiscal impact to the city. The other two choices for selection were: 1) Fill the vacancy by Special Election (approximate cost to the City would be $40,000 to $50,000); 2) Fill the vacancy by Special Election by Mail Ballot (approximate cost of nearly $30,000). Mayor McNaboe said, “Due to the city’s financial position, at this time, neither of the other two issues seems to be viable.” The mayor called for the question, and filling the council vacancy by appointment was chosen unanimously. Anyone who wants to apply for this open council seat may pick up an application from the city clerk’s office or visit the city’s website. The deadline to submit the application is Jan. 5, 2015 by 5 p.m. at the city clerk’s office. Applicants will be interviewed and a selection made on Jan. 13, with the swearing in ceremony taking place Jan. 27.