City Council to Appoint New Councilmember on Thursday

The City Council on Thursday will conduct its second meeting of the week when it convenes to appoint a new representative for District 5.

The seat, which has been held by former Councilmember Victor Gordo, became vacant after Gordo was elected mayor in the Nov. 3 election.

Patrick Amsbry, Jessica Rivas, Martha Shenkenberg and Michael W. Warner have all qualified for the position.

Each candidate will be allowed to give a short presentation before taking questions from the council.

After all applicants have been interviewed, Gordo will ask for a motion. The first candidate to get a majority vote will be sworn into the position and will serve until at least Dec. 12, 2022, when the term ends.

If no applicant receives a majority vote, the applicants will draw lots. 

In correspondence, Rivas has received the most community support. She is endorsed by the National Womens Caucus-Greater Pasadena Area and the Commission on the Status of Women.

“We are more aware than ever of the many critical challenges facing Pasadena, and this year promises to hold more difficult decisions,” wote the NWC-GP. “In making those hard choices, and in representing the people of Pasadena, we believe that the representation of women on the Council is vital. It is important for our governing bodies to reflect the people they represent; Mr. Rivas will add an important perspective to a Council which has had very few women members through the years.”

Since 2007 only three women — Margaret McAustin, Jacque Robinson and Felicia Williams — have been elected to the council. 

Amsbry also received support in correspondence to the City Council.

“When I think of the word hardworking, I think of Pat Amsbry,” wrote Vanessa Terzian. “I’ve known Pat both personally and professionally for the past decade and have been impressed by his leadership and a willingness to roll up his sleeves and get the job done.”

The City Council has 75 days to appoint a qualified resident once a council seat becomes vacant. The deadline is Feb. 20.

Following are brief biographies of each candidate: 

Patrick Amsbry
Profession: Digital Media and Marketing Professional 

Moved to Pasadena in 2003 with his wife and two sons. 

Community Service:
Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, Board of Directors 

Pasadena Police Department, Citizens Assisting Pasadena Police (CAPP) 

Friends of Madison Elementary School 

Civitas Pasadena, Founding Board Member 

Quote From Application:
“I believe the objective of our City Council can be distilled down to working together effectively and civilly as a collegial body, together with the Mayor, for the betterment of the entire City of Pasadena. An effective City Council will bring together a group of diverse, experienced, and passionate Councilmembers under the leadership of a strong and collaborative Mayor. That group will work together towards a common goal of improving the quality of life for all their constituents, across all the districts of the City. The Council should include an artful balance of members who possess the ability to passionately advocate for their District with an understanding of how all Districts work together. This should not be a zero-sum game. Kindness, Compassion, Civility, Inclusion, Understanding, Compromise, and a little Grace should be words that help guide the Council as it confronts the many serious issues that face our beloved City in the months and years ahead.” 

Jessica Rivas

Profession: Attorney

Moved to Pasadena in March 2016.

Community Service:

Northwest Commission, Commissioner

Commission on the Status of Women, Commissioner

Washington Square Neighborhood Association, Secretary

Quote From Application:

“I have extensive experience working with the various individuals, entities, and stakeholders that the Council regularly engages with: different departments, commissions, workgroups, community groups, constituents, other public entities, joint powers authorities, insurers, attorneys, etc. I am able to thoroughly review and process a large amount of information without losing sight of the big picture. I would be able to review the materials prepared by staff and feedback from constituents in order to collaborate with the other Councilmembers to find solutions to the challenges we face. Finally, both my civilian and military experience has instilled in me the discipline necessary for this new responsibility. I prioritize teamwork, comradery, and focusing on accomplishing the mission. In short, I will immediately be a helpful colleague to the Mayor and Councilmembers as well as an effective representative for my District 5 neighbors.”

Martha Shenkenberg

Profession: Kaiser Permanente Regional Manager

Community Service:

Pasadena Neighbor Network, Member

Orange Heights Neighborhood Association, Board Member

Leadership Pasadena, Various Positions

Wrote and published The INSIDER’S Guide to Pasadena

 Pasadena Marathon and Bike Tour, Organizing Committee

Quote From Application:
Long term: 

• I would like to see the Council set and reinforce a unified vision for Pasadena 2100. In my mind, this is Pasadena continuing to be a world class city — with world class institutions and businesses, strong community programs, low violence and stable finances. This is consistent with the above objectives.
• I would collaboratively make decisions regarding budgets, issues, and policies to support a unified vision/above goals and objectives so that Pasadena is well positioned to thrive well into the next century. 
• I support developing very specific action items for each of the above goals and objectives. Monitoring clear roadmaps and action plans to obtain these objectives ensures initiatives keep moving forward. These would be linked to various 5-year plans. 
• For the short term, I would focus on fiscal stability in light of the COVID Public Health Emergency (PHE). 
• For the very short term, the Council should leverage current programs and processes to ensure appropriate responses to COVID. Some of these are already in process. I support:  Transparent, appropriate and efficient vaccine distribution and reporting (coming soon) through the Health Department as doses (14,000 per Pasadena Star News, 1/9) are allocated. (Believe me, I understand the challenge of working with State systems). I would also like to ensure vaccine information is distributed so people know exactly what to do / where to go when. 

* Economic recovery. 

* Educational recovery

Michael Warner: Retired

Native Pasadenan, attended Pasadena City College in 1962

Community Service:

City Code Commission, Commissioner, Chair

Sister Cities Committee, Various Positions

Trinity Church, Various Positions

Quote From Application:

“The City Council is here to maintain fiscal responsibility and stability; improve, maintain and enhance public facilities and infrastructure; increase conservation and sustainability within the city; improve mobility and accessibility throughout the city; support and promote the quality of life and local economy and ensure public safety, etc.”