On Monday, the Pittsburg City Council will fill its vacancy on the city council after former councilmember Shanelle Scales-Preston was elected to the County Board of Supervisors.
The city opted for an appointment process versus a special election—potentially saving $700k which was the estimated cost of a special election.
A total of 23 qualified applicants were scheduled to interview on January 6, 2025. However, only 18 were present.
Out of the 18 who were interviewed in alphabetical order by last name, the following 4 advanced to the second round:
- Wolfgang Croskey
- Joanna Marie Hernandez
- Arlene Kobata
- Robert Lewis
- For recap of answers, click here
During the second round of interviews, the 4 finalists, in alphabetical order by last name, were asked two questions by each presiding City Council Member.
It is recommended that the current City Council appoint the fifth member during the January 13, 2025 meeting. The appointee will hold office through November 2026.
If You Go
- Pittsburg City Council Meeting
- January 13, 2025
- 7:00 pm
- 65 Civic Avenue, Pittsburg
- Agenda – click here
Note: Here is the list of total applicants which resulted in 18 total interviews at its January 6 meeting which had two total rounds of questions. 19 of the 23 original applicants took an interview during the meeting. If any candidate received two votes they would automatically move onto round 2. After two rounds of voting, only Croskey and Kobata had two votes which is when Banales suggested the council to continue the process until they had four candidates for round 2.
Interview Order:
- Nicole S Arrington
- Johanni Benitez
- Wolfgang Croskey
- Iztaccuauhtli Hector Gonzalez
- Jamal Harris
- Joanna Marie Hernandez
- Alvin Jackson
- Arlene (Siu Ling) F Kobata
- Robert T. Lewis
- Lisa N Mapheators
- Marcus Derell Mcfarland
- Dana M. Mims
- Matthew Muegge
- Andy Nguyen
- LeJon A Payne
- Erik Alexander Perez
- Ivelina Dimitrova Popova
- Shaniea Lanay Rodgers
- Khurram Shah
- Sonja Shephard
- Donna Marie Smith
- Lailani Souza
- Romero Amariyah Wesson
Previous Stories:
- Jan 8 – Pittsburg Down to 4 Finalist for Vacant Council Seat
- Jan 3 – 23 Apply for Vacant Pittsburg City Council Seat
- Dec 18 – Pittsburg Accepting Applications to Fill City Council Vacancy