In accordance with Council Policy 7.3.6 the most senior member of the Council, who has not previously served as Mayor, shall be selected as Mayor, subject to at least four affirmative votes. Should two members have equal seniority, the member receiving the highest number of votes in the most recent election would be selected, subject to at least four affirmative votes. If the most senior member who has not previously served as Mayor does not receive at least four affirmative votes, the next most senior member, who has not previously served as Mayor would be selected Mayor, subject to at least four affirmative votes. If the second most senior member does not receive at least four votes, the seniority list would be followed in order of rotation.

The policy also provides that the most senior member on the Council not selected as Mayor and who has not previously served as Vice Mayor will be Vice Mayor, subject to at least four affirmative votes. Should two members have equal seniority, the member receiving the highest number of votes in the most recent election would be selected, subject to at least four affirmative votes. If the most senior member who has not previously served as Vice Mayor does not receive at least four affirmative votes, the next most senior member who has not previously served as Vice Mayor would be selected Vice Mayor, subject to at least four affirmative votes.

The following is the list of Councilmembers in order of seniority and service record:

• Councilmember Valerio (elected in 1995 with highest number of votes; re-elected in 1999; previously served as Mayor and Vice Mayor)

• Councilmember Vorreiter (elected in 1995 with second highest number of votes; re-elected in 1999; previously served as Mayor and Vice Mayor)

• Councilmember Walker (elected in 1995 with third highest number of votes; re-elected in 1999; previously served as Mayor and Vice Mayor)

• Councilmember Fowler (elected in 1997 with highest number of votes; re-elected in 2001 with second highest number of votes; currently serves as Mayor and previously served as Vice Mayor)

• Councilmember Miller (elected in 1997 with second highest number of votes; re-elected in 2001 with third highest number of votes); currently serves as Vice Mayor

• Councilmember Risch (elected in 1999 with the third highest number of votes)

• Councilmember Howe (elected in 2001with highest number of votes)

The nomination and selection process for Mayor and Vice Mayor is as follows:

• Any Councilmember may offer a nomination for the position of Mayor, in accordance with Council policy, with no second required. Votes for Mayor shall then be cast and recorded. If at least four affirmative votes are cast, the member nominated assumes the Mayoral duties.

• Subsequent to the selection of the Mayor, any Councilmember may offer a nomination for the position of Vice Mayor, in accordance with Council policy, with no second required. Votes for Vice Mayor shall then be cast and recorded. If at least four affirmative votes are cast, the member nominated assumes the Vice Mayoral duties.

Publication of the Council agenda in the San Jose Mercury News and posting of the Council agenda on four city bulletin boards and the City's website.

That Council select a Mayor and Vice Mayor for the term of 2002 - 2003 in accordance with Council Policy 7.3.6.

Prepared by: 
Susan Kitchens
City Clerk

Reviewed by:
Amy Chan
Assistant City Manager

Approved by:
Robert LaSala
City Manager

Council Policy 7.3.6  (.pdf file)