San Mateo City Council Decides How They'll Fill Vacant Council Seat

The following is a news release from the City of San Mateo:

It is a bittersweet beginning to the New Year for the City of San Mateo. During the first Council meeting of 2015, the San Mateo City Council accepted the resignation of Council Member Robert Ross and determined the process to appoint his successor.

Council member Ross alerted City officials and fellow Council members of his decision to resign in a letter dated December 31st stating that he was resigning due to health reasons. His resignation became official following the Regular City Council meeting of January 5th.

In the letter Ross expressed his heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the San Mateo community and considers his time on Council and tenure with the San Mateo Police Department as one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.

“Robert was truly a ‘man of the people,’” says San Mateo Mayor, Maureen Freschet. “From the time he began his career in San Mateo as a law enforcement officer, to his final role as a Councilmember, Robert’s passion was to serve the citizens of San Mateo and the best interests of our community. He vigorously represented all of San Mateo; not just one neighborhood, cause, or issue. He served our community for over 33-years and leaves big shoes to fill. While we will miss him, I am glad he is putting himself and his own health first.”

During a special meeting held prior to last night’s regular meeting of the City Council, the four remaining Council members considered a variety of options to appoint an interim Council member. It was determined that an open selection process will be pursued to provide an opportunity for interested community members to apply for the position and serve through the November general election.

“There are many benefits to the open process. In addition to encouraging interested community members to apply, it allows for greater transparency and will give future community leaders an opportunity to demonstrate their strengths and abilities,” says Mayor Freschet. “There is no replacement for Robert and his successor will bring different ideas and a unique leadership style. This is an important decision that the entire City Council is taking seriously.”

Community members interested in applying for the Council vacancy must be a registered voter in San Mateo. Many of the Council members would like to appoint someone who can “hit the ground running” and identified some of the preferred qualities applicants should possess. These include an awareness of the key issues facing the City and experience in civic leadership. Those that have served or are currently serving on one of the City’s Boards or Commissions or have participated in programs such as the Leadership Academy or the City Services Academy are encouraged to apply.

The application is available on the City’s website and must be submitted to the San Mateo City Clerk by January 20th. Applicants are required to give a ten-minute presentation during a special meeting held on January 26th.

Council has 30-days to fill Ross’s seat and expects to appoint his successor following the January 26th special meeting. The appointee will be sworn into the City Council during the February 2nd Council meeting and serve through December 7th. Those interested in filling the remaining two-years of Ross’s four-year term, which expires in 2017 will have to be elected by San Mateo voters during this November’s general election.

For more information about the selection process please contact the San Mateo City Clerk’s Office at (650) 522-7040.