The Walnut City Council likely will appoint someone to fill the vacancy left by Mayor Tom King.
While the council did not take any action Wednesday night, the members made it known to staff they they all support filling King's seat by appointment.
In the past 10 years, the city has had to fill vacancies twice, said Councilwoman Nancy Tragarz. Both times, the city published it and opened up to applicants, she said, adding that she applied both times.
"I think that was a good procedure," she said. "I went through the process and I thought it was a good process. I think that's the process we should do as well this time."
King cited former council members, commissioners, and candidates as solid replacements for him.
"I think that in the comminty there are a number of people who could fill this position either on an interim or permanent basis," he said. "I think you should open it up to anybody. I think there is a lot of talent out there and when you say the best person, I think there are a lot of best persons."
Earlier this month, King announced that he plans to retire effective July 1.
Options to replace him include either making an appointment or leaving the seat vacant until the April 2014 election. A special election would not have made sense because it couldn't be done until April anyway, City Attorney Michael Montgomery said.
Mayor Pro Tem Antonio "Tony" Cartagena said that with a special election costing more than $100,000, it would not be a wise move.
The council must appoint someone by Aug. 29. City staff plans to announce the appointment officially the week of July 1 and the council will select an appointment at a special meeting tentatively scheduled for July 31.
If the council members decide to appoint someone, they must do so by Aug. 29. The appointee would serve until the city's next municipal election on April 8.
King was selected by his fellow council members to serve as mayor in April. His term as mayor can be filled on an interim basis by any member of the council without affecting the rotation. That means that Cartegena can serve as interim mayor and still become mayor next term, Montgomery said in the memo. The council can also start a new time for the one-year mayor's term.
Councilman Eric Ching said he would favor either picking Cartagena to serve as mayor, letting the mayor post remain vacant while Cartagena continues in his current role, or selecting Tragarz to serve as mayor until King's term expires in April.
The council plans to bring the mayor decision back at the July 9 meeting.
King, who has served on the City Council since 2002, said that he and his wife Marjorie recently sold their Walnut home and plan to move out of town. He also has previously served on the Planning and Parks & Recreation commissions.
The early part of the council meeting was spent honoring King. Representatives from the offices of Sen. Bob Huff, Assemblyman Curt Hagman, and U.S. Ed Royce presented him with certificates.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff Capt. Jeff Scroggin also recognized King.
Diamond Bar Mayor Jack Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Ron Everett and Councilwoman Ling-Ling Chang presented him with a city tile.
La Puente Councilman Don Holloway also came to honor King on behalf of his city.
"I appreciate your friendship," he said of King. "When I was elected five years ago, Tom was one of the guys who reached out and mentored me. He will definitely be missed."
The Walnut council members presented him with a plague bearing a gavel and the city seal.
"Walnut is very lucky to have a leader like you," Councilman Mary Su said. "We are here for you and we are here for you forever."
Cartagena said the city has received several accolades, in part because of King's service.
"You were one of the reasons that we were recognized in so many ways," he said. "We built so many projects here and you were instrumental in making a difference."
King lauded the city staff, his fellow council members, and the community for making Walnut great.
"It's bittersweet," he said of his departure. "I love this city. We've been her a long time. I've battled with a lot of people that I now consider friends...I have had a tremendous amount of support from my colleagues past and present."
He also thanked his wife Margie for encouraging him to serve, walking with him to every home in the community and convincing residents to vote for him.
Living in and serving the community has taught him so much about diversity, he said.
"If you want to get involved in politics and you want to make a difference in your community, go out and walk the commity and learn what people want," he said. "And when you get here, do like my colleagues do (which) is (ask) 'what can I do to make this the best community?'"
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
