The city of Chula Vista will appoint someone to fill the District 3 seat on the dais and hold a special election next year for city attorney, councilmembers unanimously voted on Tuesday.
Former Councilmember Steve Padilla filled the District 3 seat but was elected into the state Legislature in November. The city will begin accepting applications on Friday through Jan. 6 by 11:59 p.m. to complete the remaining two-year term left by Padilla.
Late Deputy City Attorney Simon Silva was elected to fill the seat as City Attorney after succumbing to a lengthy battle with cancer in September. Glen Googins, Chula Vista’s first-ever elected city attorney who is now termed out, will continue serving until his successor takes the oath of office.
An in-person special election will be held on Nov.7, 2023, to fill the vacant position, which will cost the city an estimated $2 million, according to City Clerk Kerry Biglow.
A runoff election will be held in 2024 if no candidate receives a majority vote, costing the city an additional $180,000.
On Dec.13, the city council declared the results of the Nov.8, 2022 election, including the passage of Measure K, which substantially revised the City’s Charter. Under the city charter, either an appointment or a special election is allowed if an elected official’s remaining term is less than 25 months from the date of a declared vacancy. If it is more than 25 months, then a special election must be held.
The City Council is expected to start interviewing applicants by mid-January. The council will have until Feb.3 to appoint someone and if the council cannot make an appointment within 45 days of declaring the vacancy, a special election will be required.
