HUNTINGTON BEACH : Council to Take Up Vacancy to Be Filled

One of the first items to face newly sworn-in members of the City Council tonight will be filling a vacancy created by the death last month of Councilman Jack Kelly.

There are two years remaining on the four-year term for Kelly’s seat. By law, the council has the option of either appointing a replacement or calling a special election.

A majority of the council has indicated opposition to a special election, saying the cost would be excessive.

Mayor Jim Silva, who turns over the gavel tonight to Councilwoman Grace Winchell, said in an interview that he will make an attempt to appoint Planning Commissioner Susie Newman to the vacancy. Newman finished a close fourth in the city’s Nov. 3 election to fill three council seats.

“I think it’s a matter of fairness that the council appoint the person who finished fourth in the last election,” said Silva.

A close council vote--possibly a 3-3 deadlock--is expected if Newman is nominated. Although Newman has the support of Councilwoman Linda Moulton-Patterson, an environmentalist, other slow-growth council members have indicated they would prefer someone else.