By Robert Haugh

In San Diego, the appointment of the County’s Chief Administrative Officer is making news in Santa Clara County, too.

That’s because last week, a number of local publications ran stories about Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez being the frontrunner for the job. They made it sound like her bags were packed.

Now, the process is on hold in San Diego.

San Diego County’s Board Chair Nora Vargas and Vice-Chair Terra Lawson-Remer wrote in a press release yesterday: “We must pause this process to ensure fair representation for ALL San Diego residents.”

They’re reacting to community protests over a third Democratic Supervisor participating.  

Supervisor Nathan Fletcher announced his resignation two weeks ago. He admitted to an affair with a public employee who is suing Fletcher for alleged sexual assault and harassment.

Fletcher denies the allegations. He’s checked into a treatment center and said he’ll resign on May 15.  

The San Diego Board unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday asking Fletcher to resign immediately.

Many San Diego community leaders and activists believe he’s delayed his departure so he can be Chavez’s third vote on the five-person Board. 

The other two Supervisors are Republicans and are believed to be opposed to Chavez.

Chavez has been on the Santa Clara County Board for a decade. She lost two races for San Jose Mayor. In 2006, Chuck Reed defeated her in a landslide. Last year, Matt Mahan eeked out a victory over Chavez.

Chavez has never had any administrative experience. One San Jose City Hall source said “It’s a major weakness of Cindy. It’s like she’s allergic to good organization and management.”

This is a developing story.