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Buellton council deadlocks on District 4 appointment, votes to continue discussion
Summary
The Buellton City Council split on competing motions to appoint former Mayor David King and applicant Carla Mead to the vacant District 4 seat and voted 3–1 to continue the matter to the council’s next meeting for further consideration.
The Buellton City Council on Jan. 9 deadlocked on a replacement for the vacant District 4 seat and agreed to continue the appointment discussion to the council’s next meeting in two weeks.
The council considered two appointment motions after hearing a single formal applicant, Carla Mead, who delivered a three-minute statement summarizing her background in education, nonprofit boards and local appeals work. Former Mayor David King also addressed the council and asked to be considered.
Council Member Hornick nominated David King; Hornick and Council Member John Sanchez voted in favor of that nomination while Vice Mayor Lewis and Mayor David Silva voted against it, producing a 2–2 tie. A subsequent motion to appoint Carla Mead likewise split 2–2 (Lewis and Silva in favor; Hornick and Sanchez opposed). After those tied votes the council voted 3–1 to continue the matter for further discussion and potential additional applicants rather than immediately holding a special election.
Mead, who submitted a letter of interest to the council and spoke at the meeting, described her teaching and nonprofit experience and said, “Listening and learning from others is at the core of who I am.” Supporters who testified at public comment included residents who cited her volunteer work and neighborhood advocacy. King, who spoke from the audience, summarized his public service: “My record speaks for itself,” noting 12 years on the council and two as mayor.
Mayor Silva said council staff had received a number of emails regarding the vacancy; he reported 18 emails of support for Mead, nine of which he said were from within District 4. No single applicant received the four votes needed for an appointment.
Under city rules the council may continue to consider applicants, select an appointee, or direct staff to hold a special election. City Manager Scott Wolf told the council that if no decision is reached by Feb. 10 staff will proceed with a special election process. The council voted to bring the item back for further consideration at its next regular meeting in two weeks.
The continuation means the council will either identify an appointee at that future meeting or trigger a special election if no consensus emerges.
