The Arcata City Council recently voted unanimously in favor of holding a special election in November to fill the seat of former Council Member Shane Brinton. Brinton announced June 18th he would step down from his position due to family issue. His term would have expired in November of 2016.
Brinton’s departure forced the council to decide whether they wanted to hold a special election in conjunction with the November 4th general election, or to appoint someone on their own. Mayor Mark Wheetley said they ultimately decided on holding the election because the timing ended up working out.
The council also decided to appoint Finance Director Janet Luzzi as interim city manager while the city continues its search for a new, permanent manager. The city’s current manager, Randy Mendosa, announced he will be retiring effective July 7th.
Read more about the council’s decision here.