Huntington Beach Council Pondering Silva’s Successor

Now that four new City Council members have been elected, the big question is: Who will be appointed to fill a fifth seat?

The vacancy is being created by Councilman Jim Silva, who was elected Tuesday to the 2nd District seat on the County Board of Supervisors.

City Clerk Connie Brockway said that the council has 60 days to make an appointment once Silva resigns. If an appointment is not made, a special election must be scheduled.

Silva said he will serve on the council until he is sworn in on the Board of Supervisors on Jan. 3.

Silva, like other observers, believe that Susie Newman, who came in fifth in Tuesday’s election for four open seats, should be appointed to complete the two years left of his term.

“I think that Susie Newman should have been appointed to take Jack Kelly’s place two years ago,” Silva said. “I support Susie Newman to take my place--not because I agree or disagree with her philosophy, but because that is the only fair thing to do for the citizens of Huntington Beach.”

Ralph H. Bauer was appointed to the council to fill the vacancy created by Kelly’s death in 1992. Bauer was elected this week to keep his seat.

Newman had served as Kelly’s appointment on the Planning Commission and had come in fourth out of three open seats in the 1992 election.

After narrowly losing this election, Newman said, “It’s not a very good feeling. . . . Lightning has struck twice in the same spot.”

New Councilman Dave Garofalo also supports Newman’s appointment or a special election. Peter Green, who was also elected to the council Tuesday, said the appointee should be selected from this election’s candidates.