Klein Will Remain Acting Mayor During Search for New Council Member

Vice-Mayor Andy Klein will remain the city’s acting mayor after the four-person city council could not reach a decision Monday night regarding who the next mayor of San Carlos will be, agreeing instead to revisit the issue on June 3.

 The city has been in political upheaval since the unexpected death of Mayor Omar Ahmad, followed by the arrest of Vice-Mayor Andy Klein days later on suspicion of driving while under the influence. Klein was poised to fill Ahmad’s position as mayor but took himself out of the running last night.

 “This is a very trying time,” said Klein. “I want to publically apologize for bringing a lot of embarrassment to the city of San Carlos.”

 Klein nominated former mayor Randy Royce to fill Ahmad’s remaining time as mayor but the nomination failed in a 2-2 vote. Councilman Grassilli and Grocott voting no.

 With Klein out of the running and Councilman Royce’s failed nomination, the council struggled with deciding on the best course of action in selecting a new mayor, whether that be appointing a new mayor as a four-person council or waiting for the selection of a fifth councilmen before doing so.

 Councilman Grocott suggested the appointment of former mayor Tom Davids but ran into hesitation from Grassilli, who had concerns about the fairness and transparency of the selection process, and from Royce, who voiced disappointment regarding Grocott’s supporting of a non-elected person filling the slot of mayor in lieu of one of the three elected councilman sitting of the dais.

 “My comments have a tremendous respect and trust that one of us can be mayor.,” said Royce. “We’re very qualified, and by bringing someone else in believe what we’re hearing is we’re not qualified and there is someone else out there who is.”

 After much discussion, the council agreed to begin selecting applications for a fifth councilperson in a process set to end June 3 at 5 p.m. Klein and Grassilli both requested – while acknowledging their respect could not be enforced within the law – that whomever applies does so without the intention of running in the Nov. 8 election, as their incumbency could give them an unfair advantage in the election.

The slot of the fifth councilperson, they asked, be filled by someone for the remainder of Ahmad’s term.  On June 3, a person will be selected in a special meeting to give that person time to become acclimated with the issues of the city before the city’s next council meeting on June 13.

The new mayor will be appointed by the new five-member council.

Who do you think is the best person for the job? Let us know in the comments!