Tiburon plans temporary appointment to council

The Tiburon Town Council will make a short-term appointment to fill the seat vacated by former councilmember Noah Griffin until a special election can be held this summer.

The special election is set for Aug. 29. The victor will serve out the remainder of Griffin's term until November 2024.

Griffin stepped down last month. He said his decision to resign was based on the health of his wife, who is undergoing breast cancer treatment.

The election is expected to cost between $40,000 and $50,000.

The filing period opens May 8 and closes June 2. The winning candidate will likely take office in September.

Applicants for the interim seat are asked to submit a letter of interest and a resume to Town Clerk Lea Dilena at 1505 Tiburon Blvd. or via email to ldilena@townoftiburon.org. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Feb. 24.

The council will conduct interviews in early March and make a selection by the end of the month.

Under state law, the town has until 60 days from the resignation to appoint a replacement or decide to hold an election.

Councilmember Alice Fredericks was unanimously appointed vice mayor to replace Griffin, who held the position when he resigned.

“I would not only be personally honored, I would also be encouraged that we continue to respect what has been our policies and pattern of making decisions,” Fredericks said.

The council noted its preference for a process that offered a democratic choice to the public.

They argued that an earlier election would give an appointed incumbent less of an advantage in an election.

“I'm in favor of appointing either way,” Mayor Jack Ryan said.

Councilmember Jon Welner pointed out the council had opted for an election and no appointment when Griffin took the position.

“I'm concerned about the council, having four of us for a long time,” Councilmember Holli Thier said. “I wish an election could be held sooner.”

Some registered concerns about election turnout during August, although Fredericks noted that vote-by-mail ballots could still allow for healthy turnout.

The council also has the option of refraining from appointing an applicant before the election, Ryan noted.

Griffin, a longtime Tiburon resident, civic activist and public affairs consultant, was elected in November 2021. He received 47% of the vote in the four-way race.

The election was held to complete the term of former councilmember David Kulik, who moved to San Diego with more than three years remaining on his term.