Riverbank tries again on City Council vacancy

RIVERBANK -- The Riverbank City Council will try for a fourth time tonight to fill the vacancy created by Richard O'Brien's election as mayor.

The council has deadlocked three times since December. O'Brien and Jeanine Tucker favor appointing Cal Campbell, who finished a strong third in the Nov. 6 election for two council seats, or opening the process to all five losing candidates.

Members Darlene Barber-Martinez and Dotty Nygard prefer to invite all registered voters to apply. If the vacancy is not filled by Feb. 8, state law would require a special election, at an estimated cost of up to $57,000.

The council will meet at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 6707 Third St.