The Lodi City Council met this morning to discuss options for filling the vacant District 4 seat. City staff presented three options for filling the vacancy: (1) appointment through a public interview process, (2) holding a special election, or (3) choosing not to fill the seat. Staff recommended against not filling the seat because the Council is required by state law to fill the vacant seat within 60 days by appointment or by calling for a special election.
After considering all options, Mayor Pro Tempore Craig moved to proceed with Option 1 – to fill the vacancy by appointment. The motion was seconded by Council Member Nakanishi, and the motion was passed.
The chosen option would allow residents in District 4 to apply for the position while adhering to the same standards required of all candidates for City office. A publicly noticed special meeting will be set for candidate interviews, public comment, and the Council would then vote to appoint one of the candidates to fill the District 4 seat. This appointment must occur within 60 days of the vacancy.
On Tuesday, March 14 at 7am, the City Council will hold a special meeting at the Loel Senior Center at 105 S Washington St. to hear public comment and approve a candidate application, timeline, including meeting schedules, and interview questions to ask the candidates at a future public meeting.