By Katrina Van Duzee/Garden Grove Journal
Mayor Bill Dalton announced the Garden Grove city clerk would begin accepting applications immediately, for the open city council position at Tuesday’s meeting.
Although several residents of Garden Grove stated they thought the runner-up in the 2008 election, Robin Marcario, should be appointed, Dalton said they would be accepting applications instead.
“This is not something councils like to do, I have had a number of people ask me to appoint them to this position already,” Councilmember Bruce Broadwater said.
Councilmember Andrew Do, who was elected in 2008, resigned at the previous council meeting citing his struggling business as the reason. Do gave a lengthy speech thanking the city staff and said he could not effectively serve the city, his family and struggling business due to economic hardships.
During oral communication Marcario addressed the council and reminded them she was not only Do’s closet competitor in the recent election, but also stated her interest in the upcoming appointment decision and referenced the different ways she has served the city of Garden Grove.
“I agree with Robin Marcario because a measure passed in 1980s states that citizens agree the next highest vote recipient should get the appointment,” resident Tony Flores said.
The council was unable to discuss the reappointment process in depth or vote on it Tuesday night because it was not an item listed on the agenda. Next city council meeting it will be added and discussion will commence.
“This is not an easy thing, Broadwater said. “Personally I would rather have an election.”
The council considered having another election, but it would cost over $280,000, Broadwater said.
Interested parties should submit applications to the city clerk as soon as possible, Dalton said.
