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Oakdale council opts for appointment process, not special election, to fill vacant seat
Summary
After public comment and staff briefing on costs and timelines, Oakdale City Council voted 3-1 to accept applications and interview candidates for the vacant council seat rather than calling a costly special election.
Mayor Sherilyn Barrios and three council members voted to accept applications and conduct interviews to fill the vacancy created by the Sept. 18 resignation of Council member Christopher Smith, rather than place the race on a special election ballot.
The motion directs staff to advertise a deadline of Oct. 23, 2025, at 4 p.m. for applications and to hold a special council meeting on Nov. 3, 2025, at 5 p.m. for three-minute presentations and interviews. Council voted 3-1 to adopt the appointment timetable; Council member Potassie voted no.
Staff told the council that Government Code section 36512 requires the council to fill the vacancy either by appointment within 60 days or by calling a special election; if the council cannot appoint within 60 days, a special election becomes automatic. Using 2022 figures,…
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