Cathedral City council votes to hold special election
At their meeting Wednesday night, Cathedral City’s council chambers erupted into cheers as councilmembers voted 3-1 to hold a special election to fill former mayor Greg Pettis’ seat.
“I thought the council heard the voices of the community and this is a result that respects the democratic process,” said Paul Marchand, a former councilmember and an applicant for the seat.
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez was the lone ‘no’ vote.
The council had originally opted to appoint a new councilmember to replace Pettis, who passed away on Jan. 15.
The possibility of a special election has been discussed, but the idea was shot down due to time and money constraints.
At tonight’s meeting, the council was going to review a questionnaire submitted by applicants for the seat and announce an appointment today, however, the public release of the emails between a current councilmember and one of the 14 candidates for the vacant seat has left some residents with the idea the process had been rigged.
Watch: Emails spark controversy over Cathedral City council appointment process
City officials contended that wasn’t the case, but the emails left some calling for a special election.
District 1 residents call the outcome of today’s meeting a win. If someone from another district had been appointed to the seat, it’s possible District 1, where Pettis lived, would have been left without representation for 2 years.
“This is what democracy looks like,” said Cathedral City District 1 resident Lynne O’Neill.
According to the city attorney, the special election will use only mail-in ballots. It will be run by the county, and will be held on the first Tuesday in August.
Reporter Jake Ingrassia live tweeted through the meeting – follow him @JakeKESQ.
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You can reach Jake on Twitter, Facebook or email him at jake.ingrassia@kesq.com.
