COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

County Counsel

DATE:

August 24, 2005

BOARD MEETING DATE:

September 13, 2005

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

County Counsel

SUBJECT:

Appointment of Directors to the Ladera Recreation District and Skyline County Water District in Accordance with Elections Code Section 10515(b).

Recommendation

Establish a process for the appointment of a director of the Ladera Recreation District and a director of the Skyline County Water District in accordance with Elections Code '10515(b).

Background

Certain offices were scheduled to appear on the ballot for the Consolidated Special Statewide election to be held throughout the County of San Mateo on Tuesday, November 8, 2005. Warren Slocum, the Chief Elections Officer has certified that for one position for Director of the Skyline County Water District that has a four year term, no candidate filed a declaration of candidacy within the prescribed time period. Mr. Slocum has also determined that for one position of the Ladera Recreation District that has a four year term, no candidate filed a declaration of candidacy within the prescribed time period.

Elections Code ' 10515 authorizes and directs the Board of Supervisors, as the supervising authority under the Uniform District Election Law, to make an appointment for the Districts in these circumstances.

Discussion

There are alternative processes available for the Board to use in making the appointments. For example, the Board could advertise the opening, create a Subcommittee which would interview the applicants and make recommendations to the Board. Another process could be for the Board to refer the matter to the Skyline County Water District and Ladera Recreation District. The Districts would advertise the vacancy, interview the applicants and make recommendations to a Board Subcommittee which would then make recommendations to this Board.

The appointed Directors would assume office the first Friday in December.