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Aliso Viejo council opts to nominate a District 3 appointee at next meeting amid cost concerns
Summary
After the resignation of District 3 Councilmember Richard Hurt, the council discussed appointment versus special election options under the elections code and voted to proceed with nominations for an appointment at the next meeting, citing election costs of about $673,000–$688,000 as a key factor.
The Aliso Viejo City Council debated whether to appoint a temporary replacement or call a special election to fill the District 3 seat vacated when Richard Hurt resigned effective Sept. 19, 2025. After hearing a staff presentation on the two options under the elections code, the council voted to nominate an appointee at its next meeting rather than open an immediate public application period.
City Attorney (unnamed) told the council the elections code offers two paths: either appoint a replacement or call a special election. If the council calls a special election it would be held in April 2026; an appointee would serve until a special election in November 2026 to fill the remainder of the term through November 2028. The council must act within 60 days of the vacancy, by Nov. 19, 2025.
Councilmembers Mike and Tim urged an appointment, citing the short interval until the next election and the administrative burden of a special election. Mayor Ackley said she favors elections as a democratic norm but pointed to an estimated fiscal impact of $673,000 to $688,000 for a special election and urged that, if the council chooses appointment, it be carried out transparently: “I think that that achieves the goal of public transparency while at the same time keeping in mind the fiscal impact of elections,” she said.
A motion to nominate and appoint a District 3 representative at the council’s next meeting passed on a roll-call vote. Councilmembers encouraged interested residents to speak with the mayor and asked that the appointment process be conducted in public session at the next meeting so the council could consider nominations openly.
Next steps: staff will prepare the nomination process for the next council meeting where the council expects to nominate and vote on an appointee to serve until the 2026 special election.
