Overview
- Former Mayor Catherine “Cat” Moy resigned last week, saying the stress of a probe into whether she lived in Fairfield had harmed her health and prompted her departure.
- City Attorney David Lim presented three formal options to fill the vacancy: solicit applications and appoint later, appoint immediately by majority vote, or leave the seat vacant until the Nov. 3 election.
- At Tuesday night’s council meeting the six members voted 5-1 to name former vice mayor and ex-councilmember Rick Vaccaro as acting mayor, with Vice Mayor Pam Bertani casting the lone dissent.
- Vaccaro was not present at the vote and his appointment remains unfinished because he must accept, meet legal qualifications, and be administratively confirmed by City Clerk Karen Rees.
- The interim choice could affect city business and campaign dynamics through November, and residents and some council members urged leaving the seat vacant so voters can choose the next mayor at the November election.