Appointed: Thousand Oaks City Council to Fill Vacant Seat

Update: Applications are available online here and must be submitted by February 29.

The Thousand Oaks City Council voted Tuesday night to appoint a replacement to fill the unexpired term of outgoing Councilman Dennis Gillette. Gillette recently announced his retirement due to health complications.

“Due to personal health issues, it is now apparent that I must focus all my energy on the well-being of myself, my wife Terry and my family,” Gillette wrote. In 2011, Gillette, 72, underwent multiple amputation surgeries to treat his advanced diabetes.

In his letter, Dennis stated “This is not an easy decision; however, it is the right one for me personally, for my family, and most importantly for the residents of this great community. As you know, for me, working for the greater good of this City is not just a job; it is my passion, my hobby, and my life’s work.”

The council voted 3:1 to begin an application process. Councilwoman Claudia Bill-de la Pena dissented. At Tuesday’s meeting, multiple speakers said Al Adams should be appointed to fill the vacant seat. In 2010, Adams ran for city council and lost by 146 votes.

In addition to appointing a replacement, the council had the option to leave the seat vacant or hold a special election.

Thousand Oaks will soon release application forms for those seeking to be appointed.