New and familiar faces interview for open seats
CHICO >> Only one issue was on the agenda at Tuesday night’s Chico City Council meeting — interviewing the 21 applicants for two vacant council seats.
The applicants were a mix of former public servants and political newcomers vying to fill the seat of Scott Huber, an at-large councilor who resigned a few days after announcing he’d accepted a summer job in Wyoming and Kami Denlay, who represented District 3, and resigned following allegations she had moved to Red Bluff in December.
14 people applied for the atlarge seat previously held by Huber, while seven applied for the District 3 chair vacated by Denlay.
To move forward in consideration, applicants had to be present at Tuesday’s meeting.
The at-large applicants include Michael O’Brien, who stepped down last year as Chico’s chief of police; Larry Wahl, a former Chico councilor and Butte County supervisor; Thomas Nickell,
another former city councilor; and Beth Burton, Jordan Colby, Jesica Giannola, Jeffrey Glatz, Bryce Goldstein, Lori LaRiviere, Tim Lynch, Daniel Rodrigues Sr., Derrick Sanderson, Jon Scott, and Lucille Wanee.
District 3 applicants include Amberlynn Avila, Dale Bennett, Adam Ghiorso, Amber HowardBrown, Sandra Husband, Sam King and Brian Logue.
In business from the floor this week, only one person chose to speak — at-large council applicant, Jesica Giannola. Giannola used her three minutes to urge the council to act on the issue of homelessness.
Following Giannola, Mayor Andrew Coolidge spoke to the applicants, warning them of the amount of criticism they’re likely to receive.
“You’ll receive your fair share of nasty emails,” Coolidge said.
Applicants each received three minutes to present why they should be chosen for the position. That was followed by questions from the council.
At large seat
Physical therapist Jordan Colby was the second interviewed by council following a brief interview with teacher Beth Burton who spoke on her uncertainty of being present for all meetings.
“I wanted to answer a call to serve,” Colby said. “There’s a lot of really great applicants here.”
Disaster case manager Jesica Giannola followed next.
“I was seeing more and more people who were homeless on the street, and I wanted to know why,” Giannola said. “I suffered from poverty as a youth, and I was homeless as well so I know what that’s like.”
Giannola added that understanding and listening to both political sides is something she considers a strong suit.
“It’s important for me to understand the concern of someone else who thinks differently,” Giannola said.
Jeffrey Glatz, chair of the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission, was followed by Bryce Goldstein who currently serves as a member of the city Planning Commission.
“With my experience working in local and state government, I understand what you need to do to make Chico a thriving and healthy community that everybody can afford,” Goldstein said.
Lori LaRiviere came next, followed by Tim Lynch and former Chico councilor Thomas Nickell.
Nickell served from from 2006 to 2010 while serving as vice mayor from 2008 to 2010.
“I’m really concerned about our park,” Nickell said. “We need to take the handcuffs off of our police officers and begin enforcing the law.”
Michael O’Brien, former Chico chief of police, spoke on his qualifications which he thinks makes him a strong fit for the role.
“Our city is facing another crisis — this one in leadership,” O’Brien said. “Ultimately you will need someone who’s experienced in decision making before and after crisis.”
National account executive Daniel Rodrigues was followed in the interview by local realtor Derrick Sanderson.
“Some of you know me because of the comments that I’ve made, some of you knew me as being critical of the previous councils,” Sanderson said. “I believe that citizens should stand up and speak. That’s the beauty of our government that citizens have a voice.”
The interview of Jon Scott was followed by Larry Wahl, former councilor from 2000 to 2010.
“The word civility has only come up a couple times tonight,” Wahl said. “If we treat people the way you want to be treated and I think we’ll do a lot better in the civility field.”
Lucille Wanee, a retired school office manager was the final interview for the at-large district.
District 3
The first District 3 interview was Amberlynn Avila, a land developer and home builder, followed by Dale Bennett, an asset manager.
“I will prioritize District 3 concerns but I will serve the entire city if chosen,” Bennett said. “I know how to listen to people, and I think that’s very important in this day and age.”
Adam Ghiorso, an instructional paraprofessional told the council he was running because of environmental concerns.
“My main issue is the parks — I am appalled by the conditions of the parks and waterways in Chico,” Ghiroso said. “That’s my primary issue and why I’m here.”
Amber Howard-Brown, who is an in-home caregiver, was followed by Sandra Husband, a licensing program analyst who said her largest concern is the safety of the communities children.
Sam King, a senior account manager spoke about moving to Chico following living in San Francisco.
“One of the reasons we moved to Chico was because it had the quality of life we wanted. Chico was something special,” King said. “There’s been a lot of talk about affordable housing and I think it’s a major concern.”
The final applicant was Brian Logue who spoke on his love for the city before Gaylord Enns gave the singular public comment.
“To the entire council, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your commitment to this city of Chico,” Enns said. “This decision making process you’re in is of huge significance to us.”
The current five-member council will submit up to two nominations apiece to the city clerk by 5 p.m. Thursday, July 22. A special meeting will be held July 27 to vote on nominees and select the two new members, who will be sworn into office at the Aug. 3 council meeting. Appointed council members will the receive a four hour training orientation with the city clerk.