Satinder Malhi Appointed to Martinez City Council

On January 11, the Martinez City Council voted to name Satinder Malhi to the District 3 City Council Seat. The seat was vacant after Councilmember Brianne Zorn was elected mayor on Nov. 8, 2022.

Upon being sworn in on Dec. 7, Mayor Zorn effectively vacated her City Council seat for District 3, leaving a vacancy on the City Council for the remaining two years of her term as the District 3 representative. The council opted to move forward with an appointment process, versus holding a special election.

According to the staff report, here is a list of applicants in the order of which they were received by the City Clerks Office:

• 

  Final Round Voting

  Satinder Malhi

• Logan Campbell
• Matthew Toth
• Pierre Bigras
• Terry Benshoof
• Vera Knowles
• John Cooper
• Debi Mackey
• Ronald Paquette
• Stacey Lundy
• Jason Corbett

The process (questions provided in Staff Report)

• Round 1 – council questions + public comment + balloting (vote for 3)
• Round 2 – Council Questions + public comment + balloting (vote for 2)
• Appointment – nominee who received 3 votes in the “Vote for one” round would be appointed.

Round 1 Q&A (due to length, answer only from Malhi)

1. Vice Mayor Ross: What is your experience with volunteering or serving in the City?
   Malhi – goes back to High School at Alhambra High School where he served several positions including student trustee at the Martinez Unified School District. During the youth he volunteers a local hospitals and other organizations. Recently, involved in the Measure D oversight committee. He called public service as a way to contribute to the community.
2. Councilmember McKillop: What are your ideas to support our local economy in not only the Downtown but other parts of Martinez, and help it grow?
   Malhi – Said Martinez has seen a steady stream of new businesses but some not successful due to pandemic and inflation, said they needed a holistic approach to supporting business. Said the downtown is important but they could not forget about other areas of the city. Would like to revisit working with chamber and more signage. Wanted more partnerships such as recent gift card program. Said his wife was also a small business owner.
3. Councilmember Howard: How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our City?
   Malhi – Said they need more citizens engaged, but positions are unfilled on boards and commissions. Called the more thoughtfulness on how they promote these positions to the community and who they are reaching out to. It cannot no longer be friends of the mayor which has historically been the case, need to engage young people, create standing youth commission. Called for finding a way to keep hybrid council meeting format calling zoom the “great equalizer” and called it the future of open government.
4. Mayor Zorn: Given the limited nature of this appointment to November 2024, what short-term objectives do you believe are most important to position the City for long-term success?
   Malhi – Says they need to complete their housing element completed which looks like they wont get it done by January which could open city up to litigation with the state or others. Need to work to finalize marina masterplan which is underway. Work on taking care of outstanding loan from the state going back decades. Ensure city hall is fully staffed from police department and skilled economic development director and seasoned PIO.

Moved Forward: Mahli, Campbell, Bigas

Round 2 – Q&A (due to length, answer only from Malhi)

1. Councilmember McKillop: What is your understanding about the current City budget and fiscal position?
   Malhi – Overall, I think we are in a strong fiscal position. We have built up a healthy reserve of $19 million, I do believe we need to make adjustments to better retain and attract staff at all levels. I also believe we need a more cohesive strategy in how we pursue federal and state earmarks for capital improvements. He said the city has had missed opportunities including $550k set side in federal infrastructure bill to assist communities—said city didn’t apply which speaks for greater need to bring on skilled grant writer. I plan to utilize relationships at Federal and State lawmakers to ensure city receives fair share.
2. Vice Mayor Ross: Do you have any personal or professional relationships that could become a conflict of interest while serving as a council member, including but not limited to City Council, business profession, etc…?
   Malhi – the only possible conflict is the highland hills project site because his mother still live there which is at the base of the hill. I would of course recuse myself only after consulting with city attorney. He said he prides himself in conducting himself in an ethical manner.
3. Mayor Zorn: When you hear about something that concerns you in the City, what steps would you take to see that this concern is addressed?
   Malhi – He said he would handle it the same way he dealt with constituent concerns while working in the state legislature in working to resolve cases. He says he takes the time to listen, gather evidence then meet with staff/agencies involved noting there is always two sides to every issue and its about solving the problem which is sometimes easy or takes longer. The key is to maintain open and honest communication. Solving problems is a task for elected officials and he embraces it.
4. Councilmember Howard: What are your ideas for helping the City plan for more housing options to support all levels of income?
   Mali – Martinez, the region and State are in a housing shortage and while they can debate how and why, he is focused on looking forward to working on a balanced approach. He said he does not support development on the “previous” ridgelines. Citizens of Martinez have made it clear they value open spaces, but does support responsible and sustainable infill projects to meet RENA obligations—1,300 new units to be built. Look at tiny homes and ADU’s for unhoused residents. Look at other types of mixed use for commercial and residential while preserving historic character. Says they need more sustained foot traffic for local businesses.

Round 2 Results: Mahli & Campbell moved on.

Round 3 Results: Malhi earned 4 votes and appointed new councilmember.