Salinas City Council to appoint short-term District 3 council member, will hold special election in November

Salinas City Council will soon be appointing a short-term District 3 council member, to serve until a special election in November.

That decision came during a tense meeting resulting in a split 4-3 vote with council members McShane, Barrera, and Craig voting against the idea of a short-term appointment

The move comes exactly two weeks after long-time District 3 council member Steve McShane announced his resignation. His final day as District 3 council member is May 10.

The person elected to the District 3 seat in November will serve the remainder of McShane's term, ending in 2026.

Many people in public comment were against the idea of any kind appointment.

“Give the people their voice. You're always telling people to get out there and vote. Don't take it away," one person during public comment said.

However, others highlighted concerns over having no representation for that six-month period.

“Somebody needs to represent District 3 between now and the special election," another person said during public comment.

According to the city, the cost of an election in November is estimated to cost between $101,801 to $145,430.

"I would acknowledge that $100,000 to $145,000 is money well spent to allow 35,000 voters to elect their representative," Mayor Kimbley Craig said.

In terms of the timeline, the application for that appointed District 3 seat will be opening on Apr 24. The deadline to submit is May 10.

City officials add they expect a public hearing, interviews, and possible appointment on May 21.