ENCINITAS — The Encinitas City Council unanimously named Lisa Shaffer the deputy mayor and struck swift consensus on its annual committee and board selections, a stark contrast to previous years where tensions flared and the selections devolved into politically fueled debates.
Mayor Kristin Gaspar nominated Shaffer to the deputy mayor post, and it was swiftly approved by the other four members. As deputy mayor, Shaffer would lead meetings in Gaspar’s absence.
The council voted to largely keep its committee posts the same as last year, with the exception of the post on the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority board. Shaffer, who was the previous representative, signaled she was OK with another council member assuming the post, and Catherine Blakespear offered to replace her.
This year’s two-minute discussion was juxtaposed to last year’s battle over the committee posts, when Gaspar, who had just been elected mayor, nominated herself to replace Shaffer on the San Diego Association of Governments board. This set off a debate over the position, and accusations from council members that politics had influenced Gaspar’s recommendation.
Shaffer ultimately kept the SANDAG post.
As mayor, Gaspar has the authority to nominate herself or her council colleagues to most appointed boards and committees with the council’s endorsement.
