In The News

City Council to pick member for District 7 seat Thursday

Luis Alejo tabbed vice mayor to fill Skillicorn's post; 'great advocate for the city,' Kimberly Petersen says

Saturday March 21, 2009

By By JON CHOWN OF THE REGISTER-PAJARONIAN

   The decision was made Friday at a special City Council meeting held at the Civic Plaza . Also, Luis Alejo was also elected by his fellow councilmembers to fill the vice mayor position left vacant by Skillicorn's death.

After some discussion, the decision to make the appointment so soon was due to planned vacations by Councilmembers Greg Caput and Kimberly Petersen. Caput is leaving for Mexico just before midnight Thursday. By the time he returns to Watsonville, Petersen will have left for Europe.

She is scheduled to return from Europe on April 13, the final day the city charter leaves the council to make the appointment before the issue automatically goes to a general election.

   "It would be a very accelerated schedule, but on the other hand, most people already know about this," City Manager Carlos Palacios said before the decision was made. "And I am sure they will read about the decision in the newspaper tomorrow ."

   Because Caput has to leave Watsonville around 8 p.m. to make his flight, the meeting will start at 3 p.m. Manuel Bersamin , who first joined the council by appointment, urged for an even earlier start, but Alejo said he would not be able to be there before 3 p.m.

   "I don't know how long this will take," Bers'¡min said. "I remember my own appointment. I think we had five candidates, and I don't think it was over until 11."

   To be considered for appointment , prospective candidates from District 7 are only required to submit a letter of interest to the city. However, the council will view any candidate's , petitions or letters of recommendation submitted as well. The city will post an ad about the opening in Tuesday's Register-Pajaronian .

Alejo was elected vice mayor after Bersamin nominated him and Kimberly Petersen seconded the motion. No other councilmembers were nominated , and after more than half a dozen community members voiced support, the vote went quickly, with only Councilmember Greg Caput voting against. Councilmember Emilio Martinez was absent.

   "He's passionate, he's knowledgable , and in the short time he's been on the council, it's clear he's done his homework," Petersen said after seconding the motion. "He's very proactive and a great advocate for the city."

   Bersamin , who originally nominated Alejo in December, recounted Alejo's history of working in the Watsonville community. "Luis has encouraged young people throughout Watsonville to continue their educations," he said. "Another thing that Luis has done ... he's fought for the housing rights of our most needy citizens "¦ making sure undocumented immigrants had a voice in the community."

   After the vote, applause erupted in council chambers.

   "It's a big honor to serve my city in this capacity," Alejo said. "It's very challenging times out there. But that's the reason I wanted to come back."

   Before the vote, Alejo called Skillicorn a great public servant who was always speaking up for Watsonville and looking out for its interests. He admitted that the two didn't always agree, but said that since being elected to the council, he realized he had a lot in common with him, like his passion for green energy and the public arts.

   "He is going to be missed. He gave so much of himself for this community," Alejo said. "I think we're all going to miss him very much."

Committee to Elect Luis Alejo   |   21-B Carr Street   |   Watsonville, CA 95076   |   Phone: (831) 726-6032   |   site by tumis.com