The San Ramon City Council is searching for a few good residents who believe they can make a difference as the council’s fifth member over the next two years.
The council decided this month to fill its vacant District 2 slot by appointment rather than special election, saving the city nearly $250,000 in special election costs.
The vacancy was created in November with longtime member Dave Hudson’s election as mayor, after former Mayor Bill Clarkson termed out after four stints.
Hudson, re-elected District 1 councilman Scott Perkins, and new member and former parks commissioner Sridhar Verose (replacing Phil O’Loane in District 3) were sworn-in Dec. 8. Councilwoman Sabrina Zafar, who finished second to Hudson in the mayoral race, remains District 4 representative. Her term expires in 2022.
Hudson was last elected in the city’s District 2 — which covers San Ramon’s oldest mostly residential section from the Montevideo Drive area south — in 2018, meaning his replacement’s term will end in 2022. Mayoral terms in San Ramon last two years.
Hudson — the longest-serving council member in San Ramon’s 37-year history as a city — said he and other members of the council have 30 days to appoint its newest member.
“The application period will be open until closing on (Dec.) 28th,” Hudson said. “Council members will select two applicants each on Jan. 4 from District 2, and we will interview them on the 6th. The top vote getter will be sworn in immediately, and again formally on the 12th, at our first meeting in 2021.”
Hudson has been on the council since 1998 and served as mayor in 2001 when the position was still rotated between five at-large members. He previously served on the city’s planning commission and redevelopment agency.
Only residents of District 2 can apply for Hudson’s old seat. San Ramon divided the city into four districts in 2019, with the fifth spot being the at-large mayoral job.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. Dec. 28, and can be submitted on the city’s website. Late applications won’t be accepted. Candidates will be notified if applications were received and meet minimum qualifications. Up to eight candidates will be invited to a formal interview by the City Council on Jan. 6. The council will swear in its new member at its Jan. 12 meeting. People can contact the city clerk with questions at cityclerk@sanramon.ca.gov or at 925-973-2539.