COUNCIL DEBATES VACANCY.Byline: JUDY O'ROURKE Staff Writer SANTA CLARITA Santa Clarita, city (1990 pop. 110,642), Los Angeles co., S Calif., suburb 30 mi (48 km) NW of downtown Los Angeles, on the Santa Clara River; inc. 1987. Situated in the Santa Clara valley and nearby canyons, Santa Clarita includes the former towns of Canyon Country, -- The City Council named Marsha McLean mayor Tuesday in a unanimous vote, but it could not immediately agree on a candidate to replace a vacancy on the five-member panel. After hearing public testimony and debating the issue briefly, council members nominated nom·i·nate tr.v. nom·i·nat·ed, nom·i·nat·ing, nom·i·nates 1. To propose by name as a candidate, especially for election. 2. To designate or appoint to an office, responsibility, or honor. a number of candidates but none of them received enough votes, as the council repeatedly split 2-2. The meeting was expected to continue late into the night as council members attempted to reach a consensus. McLean had been passed over for the rotating mayor's post in 2004, and became mayor pro tem [Latin, For the time being.] An abbreviation used for pro tempore, Latin for "temporary or provisional." A person who acts as a temporary substitute serves pro tem. -- next in line for the job -- last December on a 4-1 vote. Councilman Bob Kellar cast the ``no'' vote. The council has had a contentious few weeks since Cameron Smyth Cameron Smyth is a Republican who has represented Califoria's 38th Assembly district since December of 2006. He succeeded Keith Richman who was term limited. Prior to being elected to the state legislature, Assemblyman Smyth served on the Santa Clarita City Council, where he was elected to the state Assembly, leaving a vacancy the council opted to fill by appointment rather than special election. Council members reached an impasse im·passe n. 1. A road or passage having no exit; a cul-de-sac. 2. A situation that is so difficult that no progress can be made; a deadlock or a stalemate: reached an impasse in the negotiations. at a special meeting last week after questioning the top five applicants recommended by a community panel. The council must appoint someone or call for a special election by Jan. 3. judy.orourke@dailynews.com (661) 257-5255 |
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