Political Gumbo: The People Should Have a Say

The City Council on Monday officially began the discussion on the process to appoint a new councilmember to District 3.

By now local residents know the electeds must fill the seat at the dais by Oct. 4 to fill the vacancy left by the death of Pasadena native and longtime councilmember John J. Kennedy.

It gets a little murky from there.

The City Council must make two appointments.

The first one will cover the rest of Kennedy’s current term which ends in December.

The second appointment, and yes the same person can be appointed twice, covers Kennedy’s recent election victory for a term that would begin this December.

Makes sense.

But there’s just one problem, the people in District 3 should choose their representative.

One appointment is fine, but the council rolling out the process twice is a little much for me.

Of course, what’s a little much for me is not worth $3.44 in this situation.

Here’s the solution, yes the City Council should adhere to the Charter and appoint a new councilmember.

But in March, June at the latest, the City should hold a special election.

Of course, the City Council is capable of appointing qualified people to represent the city at the dais.

But the people living in that district should be allowed to uphold their greatest constitutional privilege, which is the right to choose their elected official.

The City could also clear things up by allowing the public the chance to change the City Charter and prohibit an appointed council member from serving for more than two years.
In other words, after half a term the people’s rights to choose their representation should come front and center in the form of a special election.

No, I am not saying the City Council is taking those rights away.

But we are in uncharted waters. Neither the City Council nor city staff have been forced to deal with the ramifications after a Councilmember dies in office.

That’s why the discussion is needed to all involved can figure out how to best move ahead and make sure that everybody has what they need.

And that’s not just having your voice heard, but a vote that counts.

Kennedy was about equality and preserving rights.

A special election gives the people the right to choose.
Rock the vote.