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Council moves to reappoint Port commissioner Gil Ungab; public speakers urge affirmation
Summary
After public comments urging continuity at the Port, the council voted to instruct staff to proceed with reappointing Gil Anthony Ungab to a full four‑year Port Commission term, moving the formal appointment to Dec. 3. The motion passed 3–2.
The council on Tuesday directed staff to proceed toward reappointing Gil Anthony Ungab as the city's Port Commissioner, recommending that the formal appointment come back at the Dec. 3 meeting.
Staff reminded the council that council policy allows reappointment of an incumbent who has served less than one year without reopening the application process. Supporters — including local residents, a cardiologist who highlighted environmental health concerns, and port‑industry advocates — urged the council to keep Ungab in the seat, saying he has advocated for environmental studies and truck electrification.
"Reappointing Dr. Ungab ensures that National City continues to have a strong voice," one speaker said. Some councilmembers pressed for a public interview, but others argued that the recent appointment and the incumbent's short tenure make a reapplication unnecessary.
The motion to direct staff to move forward with the incumbent as the recommended candidate passed on a roll call vote (Yes: Bush, Molina, Morrison; No: Rodriguez, Vice Mayor Imani Yamane). The vote means the council will bring the appointment back for final action on Dec. 3; it does not by itself finalize the 4‑year appointment.
Why it matters
The Port Commission seat represents National City in the Port of San Diego decision‑making — a role advocates said matters for environmental protections, economic development and community health. Several speakers connected Ungab's medical background to concerns about air quality and the port's long‑range projects.
Next steps
Staff will prepare the formal appointment item for the council's Dec. 3 meeting. The city clerk indicated written comments already submitted would be part of the record.
