Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Elections Vacancies topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Arcadia council opens application window for District 3 vacancy; deadline moved to May 29 and interviews set for June 2
Summary
The council voted to accept short applications for the District 3 vacancy, requiring applicants to be District 3 residents and to answer two short questions; the deadline was set for May 29 and televised interviews will be held June 2 at 5 p.m.
Arcadia27s City Council on May 19 approved a short, public application process to fill the District 3 vacancy and later amended the schedule to give applicants extra time. The final timeline sets the application deadline at May 29 at 11:59 p.m. and televised public interviews for June 2 at 5 p.m.
Council member David Fu (speaker 11), who moved the measure, outlined the proposed process and the two application questions: "Why do you want to serve?" and "What makes you the best candidate?" Fu said the council would employ a 3-2-1 point-ranking system to select an appointee from the applicants heard in the interviews.
City Manager Dominic Lazaretto (speaker 6) told the council the alternatives: a special election would likely cost between $115,000 and $225,000 and would not be certified before the District 3 term ends in November, while immediate appointment or a short application-and-interview process would avoid that expense and fill the seat sooner.
Council members emphasized the need for transparency and televised interviews. Council member Sharon Kwan (speaker 5) insisted the process be open and recommended a publicly visible interview in the council chamber so residents could view the proceedings. The council also discussed interview format limits (short applicant statement, limited council questions) to avoid a prolonged "grilling" of candidates.
After debate and procedural motions, the council approved the short application, limited on-stage time for candidates, and the 3-2-1 ranking system. The final amended schedule sets applications due May 29 and interviews on June 2; the council said staff would post an abbreviated application form and verify district residency for applicants.
