City Council to appoint Conlosh’s replacement

Torus Tammer

FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- By a 3-1 vote, the City Council agreed to fill the

seat left vacant by former Councilman Chuck Conlosh by special

appointment.

At Tuesday night’s meeting, council members discussed the options

available to the city, which by law state that a vacancy must be filled

within 30 days of the seat being left vacant. The council, which has

until March 20, must do that by either special appointment or special

election.

Council members felt that it would not be a financially prudent

decision for the city to hold a special election, which could cost up to

$60,000. Instead, it was decided that an appointment take place but only

until the city’s next general election in November 2002.

“It would be of substantial cost to hold a special election,”

Councilman John Collins said. “We are one year and three-quarters away

from the next election, and I don’t feel it is wise to go with four

council members until then.”

Councilman Guy Carrozzo was the dissenting vote and said he still did

not feel comfortable with appointing Conlosh’s replacement.

“I agree with John, but I cannot vote in favor of an appointment,”

Carrozzo said. “I feel that the person appointed should serve the full

four-year term of the office and not just until November 2002.”

Conlosh, 36, forfeited his second council term Feb 20 by failing to

appear at meetings for 60 consecutive days without requesting permission

for his absence which, by state law, rendered his seat vacant.