Monterey Aldermen Weigh In On Special Election Or Appointment For Next Mayor

Some residents have called on the Board of Aldermen to hold a special election instead of making an appointment to fill the seat of former Mayor Nathan Walker.

Alderman Alex Garcia said his biggest concern is the expense of holding a special election.

“I don’t know exactly what it would cost but I know it would cost a ton of money to the city of Monterey,” Garcia said. “If we can come to an agreement as a Board of Aldermen to appoint someone, I’m all for it. If not, then we’ll have no choice but to hold a special election.”

Garcia said that in addition to the cost, they only had one person run for mayor in the regular election. Alderman Charles Looper said he does not believe the board should have a special election.

“According to our codes, if someone resigns or someone passes away, we do it according to codes and we appoint,” Looper said. “A special election would cost a lot of money and according to our codes, we appoint. And that’s my opinion.”

Looper said the appointed individual would likely not be someone already on the board. He said it could likely be a resident of the third ward, Walker’s home ward.

Garcia said the Board plans to have a work session to go over the options.