Correspondence Regarding Filling the City Council Vacancy This page left intentionally blank
100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523-3323 – (925) 671-5270 www.pleasanthillca.org
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Harris and Councilmembers
FROM: Danielle K. Navarro, Principal Management Analyst/City Clerk DATE: December 5, 2022
SUBJECT: Correspondence for Item 11.1, Discuss the Method to Fill a Vacant City Councilmember Position
Attached, please find written public comment received for Item 11.1, Discuss the Method to Fill a Vacant City Councilmember Position, on tonight’s City Council agenda.
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1 Danielle Navarro
From: Karen Yapp <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 3, 2022 11:26 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: EXTERNAL: Agenda Item 11.1 - Fill Vacant Council Position Dear Councilmembers,
On Monday you will discuss how to fill the Council position that will be vacated by Ken Carlson. The City Staff says you have 2 options: 1) hold a special election, and 2) appoint someone.
In 2011 we had this same situation. Council Member Karen Mitchoff was elected to the Board of Supervisors and the City Council had to fill her vacated position. After discussion, the Council decided to offer the position to the person who had received the next most votes in the recent election. At the time the decision was fairly easy since the person with the next most votes was long time Councilmember Terri Williamson. And she had come in very close in the election.
I believe the best decision in this situation would be to hold a special election. While it is expensive, that is the price of appearing fair and objective to everyone. Hopefully, it could be done entirely by mail.
I suspect you will not want a special election because of the cost. In that case, I urge you to offer the position to Zhanna Thompson, who had the next most votes in November's election. You have precedent to do this.
If she is unable to accept the position, then I believe you have no choice but to have a special election.
Appointing someone else, even the person who came in fourth in the election, has the potential to appear unfair or one‐sided.
Thank you,
Karen Yapp
Pleasant Hill resident of 38 years
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Cynthia Tubbs <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 3, 2022 11:52 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: EXTERNAL: Re: City Council seat available
Hello,
I am a 19 year resident of Pleasant Hill. Please appoint the person with the candidate with the next most votes, that is Ms. Thompson. We don't need a special election to figure out she is our choice.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Tubbs
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Tim Kang <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 3, 2022 1:02 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: EXTERNAL: City Council position
To whom it may concern:
I strongly believe the next candidate with the highest number of votes, Zhanna Thompson, should be appointed.
Sincerely,
Tim Kang
1777 Lucille Ln.
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Toni Nestore <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 4, 2022 7:19 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: EXTERNAL: City Council vacancy
I live in Pleasant Hill and I support Zhanna Thompson as our next city council member.
Thank you, Antoinette Nestore
Sent from Toni's I phone
1 Danielle Navarro
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, December 4, 2022 7:59 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: EXTERNAL: Fill vacant city council position
Hello,
As a resident of Pleasant Hill, I feel that a good solution to fill the vacant city council position is to choose Zhanna Thompson who had the next most votes from the election.
That would better represent the peoples will, not somebody's friend who we don't even know or spend money that we have already spent for an election that we don't need.
Regards,
David Book
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Elaine Hannah <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 4, 2022 8:54 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: EXTERNAL: Re: Filling vacant City Council seat I want to provide input as to the method by which our City Council fills the empty seat currently existing. I understand the council will act on Monday, so this communication being forwarded to all council members immediately is critical.
I recommend the sensible method of offering the seat to the person who recieved the next most votes in the recent election, Zhanna Thompson.
Any other method wouldn't reflect the input of the constituents and that is what is appropriate, in my opinion.
Sincerely,
Elaine Hannah
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Joann Jacobs <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 4, 2022 9:13 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: EXTERNAL: Filling the seat of Ken Carlson
Good Morning,
I would like to add my opinion that Zhanna Thompson be appointed to the Pleasant Hill City council. She would be a fresh perspective and a wonderful addition to our excellent leadership.
Sincerely,
Joann Jacobs
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Ena Silva <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 4, 2022 11:34 AM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: City Council vacancy
Please Appoint Zhanna Thompson to the vacant seat, in our city council. She was third place in the election and should fill it.
-Ena Silva
--
www.ziggyzagga.com
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Dick Offerman <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 4, 2022 1:53 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: EXTERNAL: Letter for the City Council, Dec. 5th, Item 11.1 I am writing to the Council to express my support for approving Zhanna Thompson as our newest member of the Pleasant Hill City Council. She has the next highest total of votes and clearly has the support of many Pleasant Hill voters.
When you discuss the method to fill the empty Council seat tonight, please note that there is a very clear precedent for selecting the new Member, based on the candidate with the next highest tally of votes. That process was used as recently as 2011 when Terri Wiliamson was approved for the Council seat vacated by Karen Mitchoff. The public was satisfied with that decision at that time.
When Councilmember Williamson resigned in June, 2012, the City Council left the position vacant until the next election, less than 6 months away.
No one wants to hear that some new application process is now being considered. That would be an insult to a candidate to worked hard to come in third out of six candidates. And with any appointment, the Council risks being considered biased.
Please approve Zhanna Thompson.
Regards,
Dick Offerman
2222 Heritage Hills Dr.
Pleasant Hill, CA
1 Danielle Navarro
From: rosemarie nial <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 4, 2022 2:03 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: EXTERNAL: opinion about vacant position
i’d like to see the position filled by the candidate that received the 3rd most votes in the recent election. i do not want council to appoint the next person..
thanks.
Rosemarie Nial
221 Briaridge Ct
Sent from my iPad
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Bryan Thompson <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 4, 2022 2:06 PM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: Agenda Item 11.1 Zhanna Thompson to fill Ken’s Vacancy Members of City Council,
I am writing in regards to agenda item 11.1, how to fill Ken Carlson’s vacant City Council seat.
I humbly ask, as a resident and voter in Pleasant Hill, that Zhanna Thompson be appointed to this vacancy.
Zhanna’s campaign was outspent by more than $9000 by established politicians already active in the city, yet she still earned the overwhelming support of more than 4300 voters in Pleasant Hill and won a very strong third place finish.
The voters of Pleasant Hill have clearly already made this decision for you. Zhanna Thompson is the rightful successor to Ken Carlson’s seat.
Thank you,
Resident of Pleasant Hill,
Bryan Thompson
1 Danielle Navarro
From: jj poundnot.com <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 4, 2022 2:14 PM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: City council vacancy
Do not just appoint someone to a vacancy on the city council. It appears we are still within the election cycle and I do not believe it is within the council’s power to appoint a new council member. Whatever the decision – please document the law or muni code used as justification.
Best regards
JJ Houston
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Michelle Simone <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 4, 2022 7:15 PM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: Public Comment for Agenda Item 11.1
Mayor Harris, Vice Mayor Flaherty, and City Councilmembers, I appreciate all the work you have all done this year on behalf of the residents of Pleasant Hill. We are fortunate to have elected a dedicated group of leaders and I believe each of you know the importance of being chosen by the community to lead.
Our county is lucky to be gaining Councilmember Carlson and that leaves a Pleasant Hill councilmember spot open for another leader to join our Council. I believe the residents of our City should be the ones to choose our local representatives. The best way to do this is a well publicized local election.
The good news is, we just had one. Last month the residents of Pleasant Hill chose to re-elect Councilmember Sue Noack and elect Zac Shess as our representatives. The person who received the third highest number of votes was Zhanna Thompson with 4,308 votes (18.59%). The fourth highest candidate received a thousand fewer votes than Ms. Thompson. If there were three open spots last month, Ms. Thompson would have been elected into the seat.
If the results from the election in November aren't used to fill Councilmember Carlson's seat, the next best option is to hold a special election. A special election would be expensive for the City and the candidates. I don't think it's equitable to ask candidates to fund another campaign so soon and without major publicity I don't think it's reasonable to assume Pleasant Hill can get 64% (or more) of voter turnout for a special election, like we did for the November election.
Last month Pleasant Hill residents chose Zhanna Thompson as their third pick for City Council so I hope you decide to appoint her to the newly open spot on City Council.
Thank you,
Michelle Simone
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Anna Morozovsky <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 4, 2022 8:32 PM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: 3rd Open City Council Seat
Pleasant Hill City Council,
I hope this email finds you all well. It has recently come to my attention that there is now an additional open city council seat, just a couple weeks after the election. It seems like a perfect opportunity to appoint the 3rd highest vote getter (behind the two people who won their seats) - Zhanna Thompson. I hope the council follows the very recent will of the voters, given the opportunity that stands before them.
Thank you for all you do,
Anna Morozovsky
PH Resident
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Grant Gerlach <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 4, 2022 11:03 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: EXTERNAL: City council meeting 12/5/22 -item 11.1 I want to recommend that the city council vacancy by Ken Carlson be filled by the runner up council candidate with most votes in the last election, Zhanna Thompson. There is precedence by the council in 2011 when they followed this process during a similar election related vacancy. Hosting another election to fill a 2 year vacancy will be expensive, will have low turnout and will likely result is the same candidate being chosen.
Grant Gerlach
Sent from my iPhone
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Jan Passion <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 7:35 AM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: Please consider Zhana Thompson to fill the upcoming vacancy on the City Council!
Please consider Zhana Thompson to fill the upcoming vacancy on the City Council! She was clearly the voters choice.
Thanks so much,
Jan
--
______________________________________________________
Jan Passion
2230 Lisa Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Mobile: +1 925-303-3747
www.SailHokahey.com & www.JanPassion.org
[email protected] Skype: JanPassion
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Maureen Kyer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 8:14 AM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: Fwd: Board of Supervisors District 4 Seat Begin forwarded message:
From: Maureen Kyer <[email protected]>
Subject: Board of Supervisors District 4 Seat
Date: December 4, 2022 at 2:17:44 PM PST
To: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] Hello,
Mr. Ken Carlson will likely be certified as the winner of the November 8th election for the District 4 seat on the Board of Supervisors. Had Mr. Carlson submitted his resignation beforehand, the third-place candidate would have been automatically elected to fill that position.
Ms. Zhanna Thompson earned third-place with 4308 votes. I voted for Ms. Thompson because of her common sense approach to public safety, pedestrian safety, infrastructure and, increasing access to mental health resources.
I respectfully request the appointment of Ms. Zhanna Thompson to the vacant position.
Thank you for your service to the citizens of Pleasant Hill.
Maureen Kyer
2913 Dorothy Drive
925.421.5191
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Larry Malin <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 9:36 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: EXTERNAL: City Counsil
I vote Zhanna Thompson.
Larry Malin
1 Danielle Navarro
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 10:31 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: EXTERNAL: filling vacant council seat
Our preference is for PH to save money and appoint the runner‐up in the election, Zhanna Thompson, to fill the vacant seat!
Deborah & Joseph Santone
2963 Dorothy Drive, Pleasant Hill
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Susan HEDGPETH <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 11:54 AM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: public comment 11.1
Dear PH City Council,
I understand you are meeting tonight to discuss how to fill the seat left by Ken Carlson's election to supervisor. I would like to express my enthusiastic support for Zhanna Thompson who came in 3rd and deserves the seat vacated by Ken Carlson. I think she will be a great addition to our City Council. Thank you.
Susan Hedgpeth
2212 Lisa Lane
Pleasant Hill, CA
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Susan HEDGPETH <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 11:54 AM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: public comment 11.1
Dear PH City Council,
I understand you are meeting tonight to discuss how to fill the seat left by Ken Carlson's election to supervisor. I would like to express my enthusiastic support for Zhanna Thompson who came in 3rd and deserves the seat vacated by Ken Carlson. I think she will be a great addition to our City Council. Thank you.
Susan Hedgpeth
2212 Lisa Lane
Pleasant Hill, CA
100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523-3323 – (925) 671-5270 www.pleasanthillca.org
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Harris and Councilmembers
FROM: Danielle K. Navarro, Principal Management Analyst/City Clerk DATE: December 5, 2022
SUBJECT: Correspondence for Item 11.1, Discuss the Method to Fill a Vacant City Councilmember Position
Attached, please find written public comment received for Item 11.1, Discuss the Method to Fill a Vacant City Councilmember Position, on tonight’s City Council agenda.
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1 Danielle Navarro
From: Sonia Silva <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 12:41 PM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: Zhanna Thompson
Dear Council Members:
Please Appoint Zhanna Thompson to fill Ken Carlson’s soon to be city council vacated seat. As third place and next in line as city council candidate, this position should be filled by her. 1 Danielle Navarro
From: Kenji Yamada <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 1:14 PM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: Council vacancy appointment
Dear City Clerk - Please enter this message into benched correspondence for tonight's Council meeting, item
11.1. Dear Councilmembers - For the vacancy opened by Councilmember Carlson's resignation, please appoint the top runner-up of the very recent election. I am a new PH resident, have just voted for PH City Council for the first time, and would appreciate this indicator of respect for the will of voters in this city. 1 Danielle Navarro
From: Marian Shostrom <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 1:43 PM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: Vacancy on Pleasant Hill City Council Because Ken Carlson will be certified as the winner of the November 8th election for the District 4 seat on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, I urge you to appoint Zhanna Thompson to fill that position.
Although Ms.Thompson was a first-time candidate, she came in 3rd place, with 4,308 votes. If Ken Carlson had resigned his position before the election, there would have been three vacant positions, and Ms. Thompson would have won a seat on the Pleasant Hill City Council. She is the logical choice, based on the votes of Pleasant Hill residents.
Sincerely,
Marian Shostrom
2264 Lisa Ln
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
[email protected]
1 Danielle Navarro
From: anna stahl <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 2:10 PM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: Zhanna Thompson
Zhanna is the type of forward thinking, climate friendly advocate we need in Pleasant Hill. Please allow her to fill the vacancy left from Ken Carlson.
Best,
Anna Stahl
296 Lucinda Lane
Pleasant Hill, CA
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Harry Baker <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 2:34 PM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: CITY COUNCIL SEAT
I urge you to appoint Zhanna Thompson to City Council
Ms.Thompson came in 3rd place. If Ken Carlson had resigned his position before the election, there would have been three vacant positions, and Ms. Thompson would have won a seat on the Pleasant Hill City Council. She is the logical choice, based on the votes of Pleasant Hill residents.
Harry Baker
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Ogie Strogatz <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 2:45 PM
To: City Council; Michael Harris; Tim Flaherty; Ken Carlson; Sue Noack; Matt Rinn Subject: EXTERNAL: Please appoint Zhanna Thompson to Pleasant Hill City Council Dear City Council,
I am writing to convey 350 Bay Area Action’s support for the appointment of Zhanna Thompson to fill the Pleasant Hill City Council seat to be vacated by Ken Carlson, following his having won the District 4 seat on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.
350 Bay Area Action endorsed Ms. Thompson in her November 8th run for the Pleasant Hill City Council, and we are proud to continue our support. We appreciate Zhanna's commitment to champion community‐ centered, forward‐thinking initiatives to help Pleasant Hill thrive, including understanding how local climate action can help ensure a healthy, sustainable Pleasant Hill.
We request your unanimous approval to appoint Zhanna Thompson to the Pleasant Hill City Council.
Respectfully,
Ogie Strogatz
for 350 Bay Area Action
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Robert Kattenburg <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 3:27 PM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: THE FIFTH PLEASANT HILL CITY COUNCIL MEMBER My name is Bob Kattenburg. My wife and I have lived in Pleasant Hill since late 1989…33 years. I’ve gotten to know 5 or 6 city council members over the years.
I’m writing on behalf of Zhanna Thompson.
The process of appointing a person to replace Supervisor-elect Ken Carlson is obviously political. And politics is sort of like sausage making…you don’t really want to know what goes into it. You folks on the City Council know what the main issue is currently confronting you (think the Mangini property).
Apparently, there are one or more of you who feel there is someone who is more suited to be appointed. Those members have to give Zhanna Thompson credit for having a brain… she’s a fast study. She’s achieved success in her chosen career.
Zhanna got 4,308 votes in the election less than 30 days ago! 3rd place! Not even close with respect to 4th place.
If you all are thinking about APPOINTING a 5th member to the City Council, that person should have been on the ballot so the voting citizens of Pleasant Hill would have had an opportunity to learn about that person’s qualifications! If the most important issue was knowledge about land use, the voting citizens should have been aware of that!
To me, it’s totally inappropriate to look for the 5th member for the Pleasant Hill City Council outside those people who chose to CAMPAIGN for a seat in the general election.
That person should be ZHANNA THOMPSON.
Thank you.
Bob Kattenburg
465 Boyd Road
Mobile: (510) 366-0687
[email protected]
Sent from my iPad
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Melody Thompson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 3:58 PM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: Re. Agenda Item 11.1
Dear Pleasant Hill City Council Members,
I am writing in regards to Agenda Item 11.1.
As a longtime resident and a voter in Pleasant Hill, I am asking that Zhanna Thompson be appointed to the vacancy of Pleasant Hill City Council. The residents of Pleasant Hill have already voted and it is clear that Zhanna Thompson has won the support of over 4,000 Pleasant Hill voters.
Please consider her for this position.
Thank you,
Melody Thompson
Pleasant Hill Resident
Correspondence Received After the December 5, 2022 Meeting 1 Danielle Navarro
From: Danielle Navarro
Sent: Tuesday, December 6, 2022 10:06 AM
To: Ken Carlson; Matt Rinn; Michael Harris; Sue Noack; Tim Flaherty Cc: June Catalano; Juanita Davalos; Geoff Gillette; Janet Coleson Subject: Zhanna Thompson - Amanda Szakats
Mayor Harris and Councilmembers,
I will let Amanda know the outcome of last night’s meeting.
Danielle
From: Amanda Szakats <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 7:18 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: EXTERNAL: Zhanna Thompson
Given that it is extremely likely that Ken will be certified as the winner of the November 8th election for the District 4 seat on the BOS, had he tendered his resignation beforehand, the third-place finisher would have been automatically elected to fill that position. Therefore, I support the appointment of Zhanna Thompson to this position.
Thank you.
Amanda Szakats
100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523-3323 – (925) 671-5270 www.pleasanthillca.org
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Flaherty and Councilmembers
FROM: Danielle K. Navarro, Principal Management Analyst/City Clerk DATE: January 9, 2023
SUBJECT: Written Correspondence Received for Item 9.1, Discuss the Appointment Process to Fill the Vacant City Councilmember Position and Provide Direction to Staff
Attached, please find correspondence received for public comment for item 9.1 for the January 9 3, 2023 regular City Council meeting.
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1 Danielle Navarro
From: Danielle Navarro
Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 11:22 AM
To: Matt Rinn; Susan Noack; Tim Flaherty; Zac Shess
Cc: June Catalano; Juanita Davalos; Geoff Gillette; Janet Coleson Subject: Item 9.1 Correspondence
Attachments: Item 9.1 Correspondence.pdf
Good morning,
The attached emails regarding Item 9.1, Discuss the Appointment Process to Fill the Vacant City Councilmember Position and Provide Direction to Staff, on tonight’s agenda were received after the agenda packet was published. They will be referenced for the public at tonight’s meeting as having been received and a few printed copies will be available to the public at the meeting.
Danielle
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Courtney Coon <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 7, 2023 8:38 PM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: public comment for the city council meeting action item 9.1 In 2011, after Karen Mitchoff was elected to the Board of Supervisors, the Pleasant Hill City Council filled her vacant position with the candidate who had the next highest number of votes in that election. The filling of Ken Carlson's vacant seat should follow this precedent and the will of the voters in Pleasant Hill. In the November 8, 2022 election, Zhanna Thompson was the third-place choice of six candidates for Pleasant Hill City Council and she should take the vacant seat.
Thank you,
---
Courtney Coon, PhD
she/her
2246 Lisa Lane
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
1 Danielle Navarro
From: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, January 7, 2023 8:39 PM
To: June Catalano; Danielle Navarro; Juanita Davalos; Geoff Gillette Subject: EXTERNAL: Online Form Submittal: Email the City Council If you are having problems viewing this HTML email, click to view a Text version.
Email the City Council
Please note that all emails submitted through this website will be shared with all Councilmembers and certain City staff members. These emails are considered public records under the California Public Records Act (Govt. Code Section 6250, et seq.)
Name:* courtney coon
Street
Address:*
2246 Lisa Lane
City* Pleasant Hill
Phone
Number:
Email:* [email protected]
Subject:* 1/9/23 city council meeting action item 9.1
Question
or
Comment:
In 2011, after Karen Mitchoff was elected to the Board of Supervisors, the Pleasant Hill City Council filled her vacant position with the candidate who had the next highest number of votes in that election. The filling of Ken Carlson's vacant seat should follow this precedent and the will of the voters in Pleasant Hill. In the November 8, 2022 election, Zhanna Thompson was the third-place choice of six candidates for Pleasant Hill City Council and she should take the vacant seat. Thank you, --- Courtney Coon, PhD she/her 2246 Lisa Lane Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Upload File
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http://www.pleasanthillca.org/Admin/FormHistory.aspx?SID=16678 The following form was submitted via your website: Email the City Council Please note that all emails submitted through this website will be shared with all Councilmembers and certain City staff members. These emails are considered public records under the California Public Records Act (Govt.
Code Section 6250, et seq.):
Name:: courtney coon
Street Address:: 2246 Lisa Lane
City: Pleasant Hill
Phone Number::
2 Email:: [email protected]
Subject:: 1/9/23 city council meeting action item 9.1
Question or Comment:: In 2011, after Karen Mitchoff was elected to the Board of Supervisors, the Pleasant Hill City Council filled her vacant position with the candidate who had the next highest number of votes in that election. The filling of Ken Carlson's vacant seat should follow this precedent and the will of the voters in Pleasant Hill. In the November 8, 2022 election, Zhanna Thompson was the third-place choice of six candidates for Pleasant Hill City Council and she should take the vacant seat.
Thank you,
---
Courtney Coon, PhD
she/her
2246 Lisa Lane
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Upload File Attachment here: No file was uploaded
Additional Information:
Form submitted on: 1/7/2023 8:38:36 PM
Submitted from IP Address: 24.7.103.75
Referrer Page: https://www.pleasanthillca.org/64/City-Council Form Address: http://www.pleasanthillca.org/Forms.aspx?FID=137 1 Danielle Navarro
From: Jan Passion <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 7, 2023 10:40 PM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: Correspondence is for public comment at the Council meeting.
Dear PH City Council, The voters should decide who should represents them on the Pleasant Hill City Council.
In the November 8, 2022 election, Pleasant Hill voters made it clear that Zhanna Thompson was their thirdplace choice of six candidates to fill two seats on the Council. In 2011, after Karen Mitchoff was elected to the Board of Supervisors, the Pleasant Hill City Council filled her vacant position with the candidate who had the next highest number of votes in that election. I ask to you to to follow the same process, and recognize the will of the voters, by appointing the third-place candidate at the next City Council Meeting. Thank you, Jan Passion --
______________________________________________________
Jan Passion
2230 Lisa Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Mobile: +1 925-303-3747
www.SailHokahey.com & www.JanPassion.org
[email protected] Skype: JanPassion
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Jeff Macdonald <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 8, 2023 8:19 AM
To: City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL: public comment for the city council meeting action item 9.1 In 2011, after Karen Mitchoff was elected to the Board of Supervisors, the Pleasant Hill City Council filled her vacant position with the candidate who had the next highest number of votes in that election. The filling of Ken Carlson's vacant seat should follow this precedent and the will of the voters in Pleasant Hill. In the November 8, 2022 election, Zhanna Thompson was the third-place choice of six candidates for Pleasant Hill City Council and she should take the vacant seat.
Thank you,
Jeff MacDonald
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Danielle Navarro
Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 11:46 AM
To: Matt Rinn; Susan Noack; Tim Flaherty; Zac Shess
Cc: June Catalano; Juanita Davalos; Geoff Gillette; Janet Coleson Subject: PROCESS FOR FILLING CITY COUNCIL SEAT - Kent Sack Mayor Flaherty and Councilmembers,
The email below regarding Item 9.1, Discuss the Appointment Process to Fill the Vacant City Councilmember Position and Provide Direction to Staff, on tonight’s agenda will be referenced for the public at tonight’s meeting as having been received and a few printed copies will be available to the public at the meeting.
Danielle
From: Kent L. Sack MD <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 11:31 AM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: EXTERNAL: PROCESS FOR FILLING CITY COUNCIL SEAT Dear Councilmembers:
I am a moderate progressive residing 2 houses from Pleasant Hill’s northwest border. I support the concept that each municipality’s actions determine the fabric of CCCo and the Bay Area.
I respect Zhanna Thompson’s views, but strongly disagree with her positions on health issues as abortion and same gender marriages. Ms. Thompson’s thinking on these important issues are regressive and adverse to our Bay Area’s future.
Therefore, I am a proponent of the application rather than the appointive process to full Pleasant Hill’s recently vacated City Council seat.
Thanks & b/well
Kent Sack MD
340 5th Ave
Pacheco, CA 94553
Sent from Mail for Windows
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Danielle Navarro
Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 12:24 PM
To: Matt Rinn; Susan Noack; Tim Flaherty; Zac Shess
Cc: June Catalano; Juanita Davalos; Geoff Gillette; Janet Coleson Subject: Regarding Item 9.1: Appointment Process to fill vacant Council Member Position - Karen Yapp
Mayor Flaherty and Councilmembers,
The email below regarding Item 9.1, Discuss the Appointment Process to Fill the Vacant City Councilmember Position and Provide Direction to Staff, on tonight’s agenda will be referenced for the public at tonight’s meeting as having been received and a few printed copies will be available to the public at the meeting.
Danielle
From: Karen Yapp <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 9:42 AM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: EXTERNAL: Regarding Item 9.1: Appointment Process to fill vacant Council Member Position Regarding Item 9.1: Appointment Process to fill vacant Council Member Position I strongly urge you to skip the “application” process and directly appoint the 3rd place candidate in the most recent election – Zhanna Thompson.
I do not know Ms. Thompson. I have never spoken to her. But I could tell from the candidate forum that she had spent considerable time studying the issues. She put her time and effort, and probably her own money, into running for City Council. Can you envision any adequate justification for passing over her and selecting someone else?
I looked at your sample “application”. What will that tell you? The reality is that you can’t select a person for this position based on a few questions and a one-hour interview. Just like any candidate, for any office, the public will see how they perform and will make the decision in the voting booth.
You can’t pick someone who did not run for election at all. As you all know, running a campaign is hard work.
It would be incredibly unfair to appoint someone who did not bother to run for election. If a person was not willing to put in that effort, they should not be on the Council.
You can’t skip the 3rd place candidate and appoint the 4th place. It is clear from the election results that more Pleasant Hill residents wanted someone new, with new ideas, and new perspectives. The 4th place candidate is in that position for a reason.
At the last meeting, Councilmember Harris gave a very misleading and inaccurate account of the last time a similar vacancy occurred. When Karen Mitchoff vacated her seat, the Council appointed the 3rd place candidate, Terri Williamson. Mr. Harris said, at the last meeting, that he was not in favor of this appointment at that time. And he said that councilmember “resigned shortly after” she was appointed. 2 The facts are, 25+ year councilmember Terri Williamson came in a close 3rd, and was appointed back to the Council. She was clearly experienced and capable. However, about a year later she had a medical emergency (either a heart attack or a stroke; I can’t recall). She was no longer able to live on her own and had to sell her house and move near her daughter.
Something like this could happen to anyone. Ms. Williamson did not want to leave her seat or Pleasant Hill. But her health no longer allowed her to stay. For Mr. Harris to frame this as if she just up and quit is misleading and offensive to the memory of Ms. Williamson, a long time Pleasant Hill councilmember.
Ask yourself this. What possible answers to your application, or to your interview, could lead you to pick anyone but the 3rd place candidate? And how do you imagine you could justify that decision to the public? Please save everyone the agony and appoint Zhanna Thompson. 1 Danielle Navarro
From: Danielle Navarro
Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 12:27 PM
To: Matt Rinn; Susan Noack; Tim Flaherty; Zac Shess
Cc: June Catalano; Juanita Davalos; Geoff Gillette; Janet Coleson Subject: Vacant City Councilmember Position--January 9, 2023 Meeting - Marian Shostrom Mayor Flaherty and Councilmembers,
The email below regarding Item 9.1, Discuss the Appointment Process to Fill the Vacant City Councilmember Position and Provide Direction to Staff, on tonight’s agenda will be referenced for the public at tonight’s meeting as having been received and a few printed copies will be available to the public at the meeting.
Danielle
From: Marian Shostrom <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 8, 2023 1:16 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: EXTERNAL: Vacant City Councilmember Position‐‐January 9, 2023 Meeting This correspondence is for public comment at the January 9, 2023 Council meeting.
Dear City Council Members,
I have lived in Pleasant Hill for 20+ years, followed local issues, and appreciate the important work done by the City Council.
Item 9.1 on the January 9, 2023 Agenda proposes an application process to the fill the seat vacated by Council Member Ken Carlson.
I believe that going through an application process would be wasteful of City Council and staff time and resources. We just had an election on November 8, 2023, and the results of that election made clear that the voters selected Zhanna Thompson as their third choice.
In 2011, after Pleasant Hill City Council member Karen Mitchoff was elected to the Board of Supervisors, the City Council filled that vacant position with the candidate who had the next highest number of votes in the November 2010 election, following the will of the voters. That made sense to me at the time, and it makes sense to me now.
I have not heard a good reason for the City Council to spend time and effort on an application process, rather than appointing the candidate chosen by Pleasant Hill voters. I hope to watch meetings with a full City Council of five members chosen by voters as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Marian Shostrom
2264 Lisa Ln
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Danielle Navarro
Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 3:05 PM
To: Matt Rinn; Susan Noack; Tim Flaherty; Zac Shess
Cc: June Catalano; Juanita Davalos; Geoff Gillette; Janet Coleson Subject: Appoint 3rd place candidate Zhanna Thompson to City Council! - Anne Greenblatt Mayor Flaherty and Councilmembers,
The email below regarding Item 9.1, Discuss the Appointment Process to Fill the Vacant City Councilmember Position and Provide Direction to Staff, on tonight’s agenda will be referenced for the public at tonight’s meeting as having been received and a few printed copies will be available to the public at the meeting.
Danielle
From: Anne Greenblatt <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 9, 2023 2:47 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: EXTERNAL: Appoint 3rd place candidate Zhanna Thompson to City Council! Council members:
The voters should decide who should represent them on the Pleasant Hill City Council. In the November 8, 2022 election, Pleasant Hill voters made it clear that Zhanna Thompson was their third-place choice of six candidates to fill two seats on the Council. In 2011, after Karen Mitchoff was elected to the Board of Supervisors, the Pleasant Hill City Council filled her vacant position with the candidate who had the next highest number of votes in that election. The Council should follow the same process, and recognize the will of the voters, by appointing the third-place candidate Zhanna Thompson tonight! Anne Greenblatt
2236 Lisa Lane
Pleasant Hill
Sent from my iPhone
Correspondence Received After the January 9, 2023 Meeting 1 Danielle Navarro
From: Tim Flaherty <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2023 11:19 AM
To: Danielle Navarro; Juanita Davalos; June Catalano
Subject: Fwd: EXTERNAL: Fwd: 12/05/2022 Agenda Item 11.1 - Council Vacancy FYI
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Jack Prosek <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, Jan 9, 2023 at 8:58 PM
Subject: Re: EXTERNAL: Fwd: 12/05/2022 Agenda Item 11.1 - Council Vacancy To: Tim Flaherty <[email protected]>
Tim -
. . . . . . but I did not hear any acknowledgement of MY email during the City Council meeting this evening.
I would also point out that no mention was made of the positions taken by any of the writers on this issue . . . . .
I think that a summary of these points would be informative to all Members of the City Council as well as the rest of the Public who listened to or spoke at the meeting !! Jack Prosek
PH Resident / Homeowner
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On Mon, Jan 9, 2023 at 6:33 PM Tim Flaherty <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Jack,
I am acknowledging receipt of you email below and your comments re the 12/5 meeting. I understand your position on filling the vacancy on the City council.
Tim
Timothy M. Flaherty
Mayor, City of Pleasant Hill
On Jan 7, 2023, at 2:08 PM, Jack Prosek <[email protected]> wrote:
Mayor Tim, Vice Mayor Matt & Council Member Sue -
Just in case my comments for the December 5th meeting don't get carried forward, I am resending my December 2nd email regarding the appointment to fill the now vacant seat on the City Council. This is for Item # 9.1 on the Agenda for the January 9th meeting of the Pleasant Hill City Council !!! From reading the Staff Report for this Item, it is now my understanding that the appointee would serve until after the results of the November 2024 election are certified. 2 Jack Prosek
PH Resident / Homeowner
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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Jack Prosek <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Date: Fri, Dec 2, 2022 at 2:51 PM
Subject: 12/05/2022 Agenda Item 11.1 - Council Vacancy
To: Michael Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>, tim flaherty <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>, matt rinn <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>, Sue Noack <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>, ken carlson <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Mayor Harris & Council Members -
We note that Item 11.1 on the Agenda for the 12/05/2022 City Council meeting is a discussion of Methods to Fill a Vacant City Council Member Position.
These are my thoughts:
Call for a Special Election - this approach would be costly & I believe it is unnecessary given that the last election was only days ago.
Appointments - given that it is extremely likely that Ken will be certified as the winner of the November 8th election for the District 4 seat on the BOS, had he tendered his resignation beforehand, the third-place finisher would have been automatically elected to fill that position. Therefore, I support the appointment of Zhanna Thompson to this position.
To me, the only question would be whether her term would end following the Primary Election in the Spring of 2024 or the completion of the open term following the Presidential Election in November 2024.
The Voters have already spoken - respect their wishes !! Jack Prosek
PH Resident / Homeowner / Voter
zz
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Danielle Navarro
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2023 3:55 PM
To: Matt Rinn; Susan Noack; Tim Flaherty; Zac Shess
Cc: June Catalano; Juanita Davalos; Geoff Gillette; Janet Coleson Subject: Vacant City Council Member Position - League of Women Voters Attachments: SKM_C45823012316250.pdf
Mayor Flaherty and Councilmembers,
The attached letter was sent to you from the League of Women Voters.
Danielle
1 Danielle Navarro
From: Danielle Navarro
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 9:34 AM
To: Matt Rinn; Susan Noack; Tim Flaherty; Zac Shess
Cc: June Catalano; Juanita Davalos; Geoff Gillette; Janet Coleson Subject: Selection of new Council member - Shirley Shelangoski From: shirley shelangoski <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 9:27 AM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: EXTERNAL: Selection of new Council member
Dear City Council members,
This is Shirley Shelangoski, a 23 year resident of Pleasant Hill. Of course I am very interested in the selection of the new council member to replace the vacancy left by Ken Carlson.
I am asking for a transparent and fair selection process. I am respectfully requesting that all candidates under consideration are asked the exact same questions and that there is a transparent ranking system. The candidate who wins the appointment will be making decisions that affect our entire city. Ken will be a great loss to Pleasant Hill, but a great gain to our county on the Board of Supervisors .
Thank you for your attention to this very important matter. 1 Danielle Navarro
From: Danielle Navarro
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 5:38 PM
To: Matt Rinn; Susan Noack; Tim Flaherty; Zac Shess
Cc: June Catalano; Juanita Davalos; Geoff Gillette; Janet Coleson Subject: Regarding Selection of New City Council Member - Nancy Hume From: Nancy Hume <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 3:59 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: EXTERNAL: Regarding Selection of New City Council Member Dear Pleasant Hill City Council Members,
I have been a resident of Pleasant Hill for twelve years. I care deeply about our city, and with the vacancy left by Ken Carlson’s departure, a new member will be selected, the process of which is of great concern to me.
I feel it is imperative that all candidates under consideration be treated exactly the same, given the same questions and interviewed in exactly the same way. I also request that this process, as well as the ranking system, be made transparent. We need a completely fair, unbiased process that is accessible to city residents, as well as to all applicants.
The person who fills this position will undoubtedly be making crucial decisions that affect our city, so how this person is selected is of the greatest importance.
I will appreciate your consideration of my concerns and look forward to learning how our new City Council member will be selected.
I’m sorry to see Ken Carlson leave the City Council, but gratified he will be on the county’s Board of Supervisors. I hope we will gain a new member who will serve as Ken did, with integrity, and real care for all residents of Pleasant Hill.
Best regards,
Nancy Hume
35 Reading Way
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: shirley shelangoski <[email protected]>
To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> 2 Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 09:26:46 AM PST
Subject: Selection of new Council member
Dear City Council members,
This is Shirley Shelangoski, a 23 year resident of Pleasant Hill. Of course I am very interested in the selection of the new council member to replace the vacancy left by Ken Carlson.
I am asking for a transparent and fair selection process. I am respectfully requesting that all candidates under consideration are asked the exact same questions and that there is a transparent ranking system. The candidate who wins the appointment will be making decisions that affect our entire city. Ken will be a great loss to Pleasant Hill, but a great gain to our county on the Board of Supervisors .
Thank you for your attention to this very important matter.