This afternoon Andy Klein, citing personal issues, resigned from the San Carlos City Council. A copy of his letter of resignation can be downloaded from the City’s website.

What does this mean, for the Council and the City?

What my colleagues and I need to focus on now is how we address this situation and ensure that we continue to do our jobs, which is serving the people of San Carlos.

Because Andy was serving as mayor the Council will have to choose someone else to preside over its meetings. It will also have to decide whether or not to fill the vacancy resulting from his departure. That can be done by interview and appointment, calling a special election, or a short-term appointment followed by an election. I expect this matter will be expedited by the Council, and that the public will be included in our deliberations.

Dealing with the vacancy is a new and unexpected priority, but I don’t expect it to have any impact on the Council fulfilling its responsibilities to the residents of San Carlos. I am personally committed to getting the Council back to its full complement smoothly and in a timely manner. While I can’t speak for my colleagues I believe we all share a similar desire.

These kinds of abrupt transitions can occur in any community, and it is unfortunate we’ve faced it twice in the last year. But I have every confidence we’ll get through it. The Council is more than any of its members, and the City is more than its Council or its staff. We’re a community, with a vast reservoir of talented, dedicated “can do” residents.

As always, please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions about this transition.