San Gabriel Council Discusses Ways to Fill Vacancies

Councilmembers (L-R) Tony Ding, John Harrington, and Denise Menchaca (Photo – Graphics Dept.)

The discussion at San Gabriel’s City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 1, was about the appropriate way to fill the two vacancies left by the resignations of Jason Pu and Chin Ho Liao.

By Cheri Cabot

Councilmember Jason Pu resigned in early January after being appointed by President Biden as Regional Director for HUD District 9, and Councilmember and Mayor, Chin Ho Liao, resigned unexpectedly last week citing health reasons.

The Council considered the options allowed for the process, pursuant to the Government Code Section 36512 (b). It was determined, and voted on by the remaining three Council members, to forego a special election and make appointments for the vacancies.

The application process began on January 19 and will close on February 8. Applications must be received by the City Clerk no later than 5:00 pm on February 8. No late applications will be accepted.

Each applicant must be

• 18 years of age or older,
• a resident of the incorporated area of the City of San Gabriel,
• registered to vote in the city, and
• willing to serve in the office for the remainder of the term, which will end in November 2022.

The applications will be posted on the City’s website February 7^th and 8^th. The interview process will be on February 9 and 10^th (depending on the number of applicants) in a special City Council meeting. Since the interviews will be open to the public, it was determined the meeting will be held at the Mission Playhouse to safely accommodate everyone.

The City Council can choose to appoint immediately following interviews at the same meeting, or at a subsequent meeting held no later than March 8, 2022.

When asked about a potential appointment, Councilmember Denise Menchaca said, “I’m hopeful we can find two people (and I’m very confident that we can) that have the same values and vision as both Councilmembers Pu and Liao, and help the City continue to move forward.”

Reorganization of the City Council will take place at the February 15 meeting.