PALMDALE – The City Council appointed Fred Thompson to a vacancy on its board Wednesday evening, making the former Palmdale School District trustee the first African-American to serve on the council.
The four-member council voted unanimously in a motion to appoint Thompson to Councilwoman Laura Bettencourt’s vacated seat. Bettencourt resigned her seat on the council effective March 20, citing personal health issues and the uncertainty of the court’s resolve with “on-going election issues.”
Thompson was elected in Palmdale’s Nov. 8, 2013 election, but he was prevented from being seated when a Los Angeles Superior Court judge voided the election in December due to the ongoing California Voting Rights Act lawsuit. The results of the council seat are postponed until the Court of Appeals certifies the election.
Thompson’s appointment to the council holds extreme significance for Palmdale because the lawsuit against the city claims its at-large elections prevent minority voters, especially African-Americans and Hispanics, from holding office.
At Wednesday’s meeting, City Attorney Matthew Ditzhazy explained the city’s position and its options for filling the vacancy. Though a special election is prevented by the court, he said the council may simply leave the seat vacant until the next election or appoint someone to fill the vacancy now.
“The last option is to appoint someone to the vacant seat. According to our municipal code, it’s just that,” Ditzhazy said. “It’s just filling the vacancy. It’s not putting anyone into a seat other than the seat that was vacated recently by Laura Bettencourt.”
Before the council’s 4-0 vote, civic and business leaders throughout the community voiced their support for Thompson during public comment.
Former Palmdale School Board member Sandy Corrales-Eneix told the City Council she worked hard to make sure Thompson was elected last November.
“And I think that your role as representatives of our constituents that voted last November, there is really only one option to consider tonight, and that is to fill the vacancy with the very appropriate Fred Thompson who’s so well-qualified,” she said. “This council has the ability to make history this evening, has the ability to reflect its constituency, and to make sure that voters feel secure that their vote last November mattered – that you listened.”
Palmdale School District board trustee Bo Bynum told members of the council their decision was a serious one and would be scrutinized by the public.
“The public has spoken, but it goes beyond that,” Bynum said. “It goes to the fact that we have a qualified man who ran a quality election, and was voted in by the folks. And this is an opportunity now to fulfill the wishes of the public and to see Mr. Thompson as the next City Council member for Palmdale … And the public states that it wants a council that is real concerned with diversity, that’s real concerned with their youth, that’s real concerned with education, and Fred Thompson has been involved in all of those areas.”
However, when time came for the council’s discussion on Thompson’s appointment, legal concerns raised by Mayor Pro Tem Tom Lackey quickly dampened the enthusiasm radiating throughout the chamber.
Lackey said there was no question about who to appoint to the vacant position, but his concern was with possible retaliation from the court if the council were to appoint Thompson.
“We have to be very, very careful not to be caught up in our emotion, and our emotion is clearly to tell the court that we do not appreciate what they’ve done to us; we don’t appreciate the intervention,” he said. “However, I think it is also important that we send the message that we are in compliance with what the court directs, otherwise we may get into trouble.”
Lackey then suggested to the council that it explain its intentions for Thompson’s appointment to the court and then act on it after the court’s ruling, which is scheduled for April 8.
When a notable objection rose from a member of the public at Lackey’s suggestion, he responded: “You can disagree with me, but I’m just telling you where I’m at, ma’am. And the reason why is because I believe, again, the short-term benefit versus the potential long-term penalty is something that needs careful evaluation.”
The City Attorney clarified there would be no legal consequences if the council were to appoint Thompson – not to the seat intended from November’s election – but to the vacancy created by Bettencourt’s resignation. Ditzhazy told the council that state law provides for the filling of a vacancy by appointment.
“He would hold that (seat) until we get a decision,” Ditzhazy said. “If we get a decision in a week, or if we get a decision in two or three months, and they say, go ahead and certify, Fred will actually be sworn in again. Because then he would be getting sworn into his seat for his term.”
The four-member council then made their decision to appoint Thompson based on this distinction, while also acknowledging that the council’s appointment was not a defiant reaction to the court’s ruling.
“I feel confident with what we’re doing,” Mayor James C. Ledford said before the vote, admitting that he did not believe the council’s action would incur the “wrath of the courts. More important, this is the will of our voters.”
After the vote, City Clerk Rebecca Smith administered the Oath of Office in a filled-to-capacity chamber that reflected the community’s support for Thompson.
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Dave S says
It’s not important how the courts perceive Thompson’s appointment. Since it’s legal, my vote is the Council state on the record “We’re doubly for, and enjoying this appointment because it’s a big FU to the courts.”
Stinger says
Wow. Would you look at that: A City Council that actually feels beholden to its citizenry and their will instead of just a few power brokers.
Hey Parris, you payin’ attention here?
William says
@Stinger.
Does anyone think there’s a possible connection between what the Palmdale City Council just did with another story here today about the new businesses opening such as Chic Fil A, Krispy Kreme, Sears Outlet, Dick’s Sporting Goods and others?
Meanwhile a custard shop is coming to the BLVD.
I could be wrong but if the leaders of Palmdale have been operating with integrity and the residents best interests in mind it seems that it shows up as continued growth in desirable retail, shopping and dining in the city. It didn’t happen by accident. Let’s just say that Mayor Ledford has a powerful ‘charm offensive’ while the Rex simply runs an ‘offensive offensive’. And, it shows. It shows.
On the other, Rex & Co. have to boast and brag and over every little thing they accomplish and still are far behind and will never catch up as long as the present mayor and council do the bidding for the benefit of the ‘good ol’ boys’. The ‘good ol’ boys’ seem to be doing fine. The Lancaster residents……..not so good.
Just the facts of all the new businesses I just mentioned opening in Palmdale should wake up Lancaster voters to what has happened to their city the last few years. It’s like when your neighbor builds a new pool, outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, ice maker, fridge and a playset for the kids, it makes the dead lawn in your backyard even more obvious.
Vote next Tuesday, Lancaster. And, make it count. It’s your city and you have a say in how it’s being run. Don’t let the ones with the $$$$s run it for themselves and not you.
Yakkity yak says
*applause*!!
A Lady in Lancaster says
William, I usually agree with you, but you miss the point. Some of us in Lancaster Do Not Want franchise fast-food businesses and don’t want The Boulevard to look like every other mall in America. I don’t want to buy the same donut or pizza in Lancaster that I can buy in any city in the US. I think the malling of America has drained us of cultural stimulus.
So, Palmdale, great, you can have malls surrounded by massive parking lots, along with your fossil fuel plants. You think that makes you better, but from my perspective, it makes you ordinary, dull, plain, and uninspired. If I want ordinary, etc, I know I can go to Palmdale or Phoenix or Elgin or Peoria or … what difference does it make.
If I want new innovative and interesting, I’ll go to Lancaster. Oh and BTW there is a lot more than a custard shop on The Boulevard. Maybe, William, you could leave the strip mall and come to Lancaster and see for yourself. You might end up with a smile on your face.
If you like plain ordinary sameness, fine, keep it in Palmdale. Some of us in Lancaster REALLY DON’T want to be malled.
Timoteo says
The irony is that William claims to be this big Democrat, always bashing Republicans and claiming Republicans are “against the people” ad nauseum, but then he comes on here and promotes corporations…always tooting Palmdale’s horn when they get one more big box store or chain restaurant. That’s fine, but as Lady said, if I want that, I can get it anywhere. Nothing special. Meanwhile, William loves to bash small businesses run by ordinary people…so “democratic” of you, William!
So how’s corporate Obamacare working out for you there, William?
William says
My health care is continuing to be very good. Thank you very much.
BTW. Mayor Jim Ledford is a REPUBLICAN and I’ve supported him heartily for many years.
The Lady in Lancaster sounds like a Rex Parris recording but she forgot how Lancaster wanted to put a WALMART, yes, another Walmart across from Quartz Hill High School.
Yessiree. Such BS. I guess each Walmart looks unique to her eyes. LOL
It’s overcast today. I bet the BLVD looks so dreary. I’ve been there many times to see if it’s as fantasttc as she and Rex claim.
And, no, it isn’t……………unless you’re homeless.
William says
And, you won’t be ‘malled’ or anything else for that matter. There’s only about 2 blocks of the BLVD that are worth getting out of the car for. The rest looks like before ‘cept for the trees and bushes and empty benches.
Actually, Lady in Lancaster, it’s Rex that’s the problem with Lancaster and the BLVD is just a symptom. Restaurants that would probably do better anywhere else in Lancaster but they fold after less than a year on the BLVD.
Why is that? Why?
I’d rather drive to and park anywhere in or near the Antelope Valley Mall than drive to or park on the BLVD. And, I’m not the only one. I’ve seen many comments here over the years about the frustration of the traffic and parking on the BLVD as well as for pedestrians from Lancaster residents.. It’s not just me.
BTW Where do you go to buy clothes? Is there anywhere in Lancaster that a guy can buy a suit other than at a thrift store?
Do you think Rex shops much in Lancaster? If so, where?
Really says
Talk of a Walmart across from Quartz Hill High School started way back in the late 80’s
No Quartz Hill Walmart says
Who was “talking” about a Walmart across from QH High in the 80’s? The Flat Earth Society? Walmart didn’t start looking until much later. Love em or hate em, they are very strategic in where they go. QH would be one on the last places in the valley. They even tried to put a Super Center in West Palmdale, but would have had to get land re zoned from residential to commercial to make it fit. That would never happen. The residents there would have revolted. So they found the perfect scenario in Lancaster: a greedy mayor, and an equally greedy broker/future planning commissioner who sold the land to Walmart (making himself a cool $300k) and then voting to re zone the land from residential to commercial. The residents protested but in Lancaster money and the good ole boys are King! Lancaster truly is the Land of Opportunity for those connected to the King.
Dave S says
Nah.
This is just one side winning over the other. Conveniently for Team Ledford, it just so happens they guy they want also got the vote. So they can take the faux high ground. This time.