5 people apply for City Council vacancy
City officials say that five people have applied to fill a vacancy on the City Council representing the 3rd District.
Woodland city officials are reporting that five people have applied to fill a vacancy on the City Council representing the 3rd District.
The identities are not being released until a council ad hoc committee has reviewed the applicants and made recommendations to the full council. Once that is completed then the full council will deliberate who should fill the position which became vacant when Councilman Angel Barajas resigned to serve as a Yolo County supervisor, representing the 5th District.
The committee is made up of veteran councilman, now mayor Tom Stallard, and new Councilwoman Victoria Fernandez.
The council opted in December to make an appointment rather than hold a special election because of the cost, which could be as much as $ 50,000 for the community, let alone the money which would then be spent by those vying for the vacancy, which will last two years, instead of the four years as provided by city code because Barajas left in mid- term.
The 3rd District generally covers the northwest part of Woodland.
The committee and council are under a tight timeline. As provided by city code, the clock started running as soon as Barajas submitted his letter of resignation. That means the council has until Jan. 29 to select candidates, vet them, involve the Woodland League of Women Voters to get public feedback through forums, and make a selection.
Meanwhile, the Woodland League of Women Voters has planned an online forum for 7 p. m., Thursday, Jan. 14. Questions for the forum participants will be framed around housing and homelessness, policing and community services including public safety, economy and budgeting priorities, climate, climate change, local government and general issues pertinent to District 3. Comments should be emailed to the Woodland League of Women Voters at woodlandleaguenews@gmail.com.
No information has yet been provided on how people can access the forum, which will probably be done via Zoom video.