ANAHEIM : Mayor Pro Tem Job May Cause Squabble

The City Council, which deadlocked earlier this year over an appointment to fill a vacancy, may find itself in another squabble over choosing a new mayor pro tem.

The largely ceremonial title has historically gone to the council member with the most seniority who has not already held the title during the current term.

Mayor Pro Tem Frank Feldhaus was the obvious choice last year, but this year two councilmen have equal seniority--Lou Lopez and Bob Zemel.

Council policy dictates that in such a situation the position be filled by picking a name from a hat. But Lopez said Monday that he wants that system abolished.

“I would like to see it done another way,” he said. “If you have two individuals with the same seniority, then the position should go to the top vote-getter in the last election or should go to a vote of the council.”

Lopez and Zemel were both elected to office in November, 1994. Lopez was the top vote-getter, while Zemel came in second.

Zemel could not be reached Monday for comment.

If the issue cannot be resolved by the City Council, which meets today, it would be the second time this year that a personnel conflict has arisen.

When Tom Tait was appointed in January to fill a vacant seat, the council deadlocked several times and was only days away from being forced to hold a special election before finally agreeing on Tait.