PITTSBURG — Pittsburg may welcome a newly appointed member of the council on Jan. 13 to replace Councilmember Shanelle Scales-Preston, who was recently elected as a supervisor for Contra Costa County.
The Pittsburg City Council unanimously passed a motion Monday to fill the seat through an appointment process. Applications for the position are expected to open as soon as Scales-Preston submits her resignation.
Councilmembers were given the option to either hold a special election or fill the vacancy via appointment through an application and interview process.
Because estimates to conduct a special election would range between $453,156 and $700,332, the council agreed that a special election would be too costly – Scales-Preston didn’t deliberate on the matter.
Mayor Jailani Killings said some residents have told him they don’t favor spending money for a special election, something Councilmember Angelica Lopez said residents would end up paying for and something the city “does not have the luxury” to afford.
“We have a lot of projects that need funding,” said Lopez. “I agree, it will be a tough task for us because (there are) big shoes to fill, but I know my colleagues have good judgment, so I’m leaning towards the appointment.”
Vice Mayor Dionne Adams said there are several passionate residents who could apply.
“I think it makes sense,” said Adams. “We went through a budget exercise last year where we cut costs, and (a special election) will take us backward from the adjustments made to meet the needs of our city.”
City Manager Garrett Evans said within 24 hours after Scales-Preston sends her resignation note, the city will kickstart an online portal application process.
“We already have the application draft done, and it is ready to be uploaded,” said Evans.
He said the application deadline will be Jan. 2. On Jan. 6, councilmembers can conduct interviews with potential applicants.
“You can appoint someone (on Jan. 6), or if the council indicates you need further time, we can push it to Jan. 21 (to make the final decision),” said Evans.
Scales-Preston suggested that her colleagues pick her replacement a week after the interview process so the new councilmember will have time to prepare for the 2025 NorCal Mayors and Councilmembers Academy in Sacramento on Jan. 22.
“We need to ensure that the (new councilmember) does their ethics training, so you may reconsider coming back on Jan. 13 instead of the 21st,” she said.
Councilmember Juan Antonio Banales agreed, adding he would prefer to take some time to deliberate before making the final decision.
“I personally like to reflect on such a big decision,” said Banales. “So I’m in favor of doing (the appointment) the following week so the selected individual can make their travel plans.”
Whoever is appointed will hold office until 2026, when the current term expires.
Evans said there have been three instances in the past when a council seat in Pittsburg became vacant, and the seat was filled by appointing a person after an interview process.
In 1971, Councilmember Robert Rossi was elected following the resignation of Alfred Affinito. In 1988, Joe Canciamilla was appointed, and in 1996, Councilmember Mary Erbez filled a vacancy left by Canciamilla.
Source: www.mercurynews.com