CLEARLAKE >> The Clearlake City Council unanimously appointed retired Clearlake Police Department Detective Sgt. Nick Bennett to fill the vacant council seat at its regular meeting on Tuesday.
Out of four finalists, Bennett was chosen for his experience and knowledge of the city. But according to the council’s deliberation the decision was close — all within five points of each member’s applicant scoring systems.
“Were going in a good direction and it was resonated here tonight,” Mayor Russell Perdock said. “It’s so key that we have that momentum continue.”
In fact, Bennett wasn’t the mayor’s first choice, joining Councilman Bruno Sabatier in support of former councilman Joey Luiz because he would “hit the ground the running” and be effective until the position is elected in the November election.
However, Councilwoman Joyce Overton and Councilwoman Gina Fortino Dickson felt that Bennett would be just as able to keep up.
“[Bennett] has tons of experience and also has had all the training that meets the criteria we are looking for,” Overton said. “It’s hard… they’re both excellent candidates.”
Her analysis and the desire to achieve a unanimous decision were enough to change both men’s minds, casting “aye” votes for the former detective.
“My view is not against Mr. Bennett,” Sabatier said. “I think he’s a great candidate, so there’s no way that I am seeing a negative in putting him into that seat.”
The public also varied in their support for the applicants, which also included Lake County NAACP President Aqeela El-Amin Bakheit and John Phillip Harris.
Yet, the most support came for Bennett not only for his reputation but for his time availability.
“He’s retired, he’s got time to go to those midday meetings,” a resident said. “I think he doesn’t have a specific agenda and will work well with the other councilmembers,”
Others praised him for his decision-making and conflict resolution skills.
“I’m not a confronting type of individual, even when I worked the streets … there’s never a reason to butt heads,” Bennett said. “If you lose on an issue, there’s always a next one.”
The New Councilman
When asked about his appointment, Bennett said he’s ready.
His top priority: selling the proposal for a once cent tax to help fix the city’s roads.
“We have to have it in our community,” he said. “I will work diligently to see that passed.”
During his public interview, the appointee said he also wants to focus on code enforcement, public safety, economic development and financial stability.
Actions on these issues are part of his vision to increase the city’s tourism industry and to attract new businesses to Lakeshore Drive.
“If you have street in community areas that are not clean, the public will not have pride in itself,” he said. “They don’t have to be large businesses, just small businesses, creating a tax base to have financial stability for our community.”
Bennet will be sworn in at a special city council meeting on May 19. Harris and Luiz both said they will be running for city council in November.
