"An embarrassment of riches" was how a couple of Pacific Grove councilmembers described the nine candidates who applied to fill a vacant seat on the City Council, after all nine had made their case during a meeting on Wednesday, June 3.
In the group were people with backgrounds in education, policy, business leadership, foundation work and law. A few are already serving in some capacity in the city, at the P.G. Museum of Natural History, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force and the Planning Commission.
"I honestly think we could put a name in a hat, pull it, and have a great next five months. I'm not kidding," said Councilmember Tina Rau. Other councilmembers shared similar sentiments about the candidates.
That being said, four of the six councilmembers said because the person they select would only hold office until November, they felt someone with some experience sitting on a board or commission was necessary. Mayor Nick Smith and councilmembers Cynthia Garfield, Chaps Poduri and Joe Amelio named P.G. Planning Commissioner Nicholas Mourlam as their choice during the first round of voting.
Rau nominated Ben Bence, a local teacher and young father who brought a number of people to share their support. Councilmember Lori McDonnell nominated Tara Leweling, a U.S. Air Force veteran with deep policy experience at the national level.
The Council's policy is that if one applicant receives four nominations a vote is taken. At that point all six members voted to seat Mourlam. He was immediately sworn in by City Clerk Sandra Kandell and he took to the dais, a big smile on his face.
In his interview with the Council before the vote, Mourlam described himself as a dedicated resident, an active public servant of P.G. and "a father who is deeply invested in the future of our community."
He said the skills he uses as director of development for the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health—which includes skills such as budgeting, financial forecasting and long-term strategic planning—would translate to helping the city with maintaining fiscal responsibility.
When asked if there was an issue that motivated him to apply for the position, Mourlam cited housing and increasing access for a diversity of people to live in the town a main concern. Other main issues he cited included budgeting and the city's pension obligation, as well as seeking new revenue sources and long range planning for the downtown commercial area.
Smith called for a short break after Mourlam was sworn in so the councilmembers could talk to the candidates who weren't chosen. Earlier he joked they'd be getting a call from him when it came time to fill positions on the city's boards and commissions in January.
Garfield had similarly encouraged the candidates, calling the city very fortunate to have a talented group of people applying.
"I would really hope that if you are not selected for some reason we hope you will find a way to be more involved in the city. I have a board or commission noted for each one of you," she said.