LAKE COUNTY — Lake County’s District 4 Supervisor, Tina Scott announced she is resigning from the Board, effective July 31.
“It has been a great honor to represent so many neighbors and friends as District 4 Supervisor,” shares Scott. “Since I was elected in 2016, I have striven to be a voice for Lake County residents facing deep challenges, and that has led to very rewarding work alongside community partners in areas from health and housing, to energy resiliency, to public-facing efforts to promote Tolerance, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.”
Unfortunately, county administration noted that personal circumstances have made it impossible for Scott to complete her term. Scott appreciates the announcement will come as a surprise to many:
“When I sought re-election in 2020, I never imagined I would be stepping away just two years later. To all who expressed confidence by supporting my candidacy: Thank you for your trust and high regard. I sincerely hope the work we were able to accomplish, including establishment of transitional housing programs in Lakeport and Clearlake, and meaningful progress on South Lakeport Annexation after decades of disagreement, bring meaning to your efforts and your votes.”
Scott maintains a deep commitment to realizing a brighter future for Lake County. Starting in Fall of 2022, she will be serving as CTE Food Service and Hospitality Instructor at Clear Lake High School, helping residents of transitional age strengthen their nutritional foundation and develop vocational skills.
Leaving her role as Supervisor is bittersweet:
“I have loved the work, and built relationships I hope will endure for many years to come,” emphasizes Scott. “While I am confident this is the best available decision at this time, there are innumerable aspects of my Supervisor role I will deeply miss. I am grateful to have had this opportunity, and looking forward to continuing to invest in Lake County communities.”
How will the board vacancy be filled?
California Government Code Section 25060 directs, “Whenever a vacancy occurs in a board of supervisors, the Governor shall fill the vacancy. The appointee shall hold office until the election and qualification of his or her successor.”
California Government Code Section 25601 continues, “The election of a supervisor to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term shall be held at the next general election, unless the term expires on the first Monday after January 1st succeeding the election.”
Outgoing Supervisor Scott’s current elective term expires the first Monday after Jan. 1, 2025. Therefore, a vote coincident to this November’s General Election is consistent with state code in this case, whether or not a gubernatorial appointment is made in the interim. While Lake County’s Supervisorial districts were redrawn in December 2021, since Scott was elected when previous boundaries were in use, eligibility to vote for District 4 Supervisor in November will be based on those old boundaries.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors is expected to discuss next steps regarding this vacancy during their Tuesday, April 26, regular meeting.
Recent examples from San Benito County
San Benito County Supervisorial vacancies have recently been filled by election (2020, no Gubernatorial Appointment was made in the interim), and by Gubernatorial Appointment.
San Benito County Supervisor Jim Gillio (District 4) resigned during their Board’s July 21, 2020, meeting, with an effective date of July 31. Resolution No. 20-46 was Passed and Adopted the same day, calling for the vacancy to be filled during the Nov. 3, 2020, General Election. On July 24, San Benito County’s Registrar of Voters issued a Revised Notice of Election, noting a nomination period would occur August 1-7, inviting candidates to fill the remaining two years of Gillio’s term.
Election results were certified Dec. 1, 2020. Bob Tiffany was elected with 37.60% of the vote, and sworn in January 4, 2021:
San Benito County Supervisor Mark Medina’s resignation was announced May 25, 2021, and his replacement was appointed by Gov. Newsom Oct. 28, 2021:
More locally, a Mendocino County Supervisor was replaced by gubernatorial appointment in 2017. That process can take anywhere from a few to several months.
