La Mesa City Treasurer Matt Strabone is resigning Aug. 12, and city leaders will fill the vacancy by appointment.
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After nearly four years in the role, Strabone is leaving to take a job as a legal adviser for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
“(This is) a really big deal and very exciting for La Mesa, although we are losing him,” Cazares said.
A licensed attorney and a known figure in local Democratic politics, Strabone defeated William Exeter, a Republican, in 2022 with 54% of the vote.
Under state law, the vacancy must be filled within 60 days, either by appointment or special election.
“I’m in favor of an appointment, considering how much a special election costs and considering how close we are to November,” Mayor Mark Arapostathis said.
The La Mesa City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to accept applications to fill the position by appointment.
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The selected appointee will hold the position until the upcoming election in November, when a permanent treasurer will be elected by voters.
“We have 60 days to do this, so in theory, we’re going to have someone for 40 days,” Cazares said.
Considered a part-time position, treasurers serve four-year terms and are paid $1,100 a month. They are tasked with maintaining the city’s reserve fund of about $65 million.
City leaders are expected to begin interviewing candidates during the Sept. 8 regular city council meeting.
“It’s not a vote on the city council, so this I hope will remain unpoliticized,” Cazares said.
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