La Verne Council Set to Fill Vacant Council Seat

A still grieving La Verne city council has announced it will appoint someone to fill the vacancy left by the sudden death of longtime councilman Robert F. Rodriguez.

Councilmembers unanimously voted in favor of appointment during their July 15 meeting. Rodriguez died July 6, reportedly of respiratory failure. His was current term expires in March of 2015. He was re-elected in March 2011 and was serving his eighth straight term.

“State law requires that within 60 days of July 6, 2013, or by September 3, 2013, the Council must fill the vacancy by an appointment to the balance of the term or call a special election for that purpose,” according to a written statement released by Robert Kress, City Attorney.

A special election could have cost $70,000 and would not taking place until April 2014, leaving less than a year of the term for the candidate to complete, officials wrote.

“The wisest decision, and a decision I believe Robert would support, is to appoint someone to complete the term,” said La Verne Mayor Don Kendrick also through a written statement. “There are many outstanding individuals in this community who would provide excellent service for the City of La Verne.”

City staff asks applicants to submit a letter of interest summarizing their work experience, education, community involvement, and desire to serve.

Letters of interest should be submitted to the City Clerk, La Verne City Hall, 3660 D Street, La Verne, or via email to swhatley@ci.la-verne.ca.us by 5 p.m. Aug. 7.

The Council will review and consider the appointment at the Aug. 19 City Council Meeting.