3 people apply to fill vacant Marysville council seat

Three people have applied for an opening on the Marysville City Council, with the other four council members to decide who will fill it next week.

Christopher Pedigo, who made an unsuccessful bid for the council last year, submitted his application on Friday, the final day to do so, as did Brad Hudson, a Yuba College fire academy instructor.

The third applicant, Ame Scarfe, applied on Dec. 17. An attorney with Yuba County's Department of Child Support Services, she said she applied because she wanted to see the council be an instrument to make something happen rather than a place to posture.

"It bothers me when political affiliation comes into the equation," said Scarfe, who served on the Marysville planning commission.

Her background and experience have helped her learn how to work with people and sometimes be the person who says "no," Scarfe said.

"I've had to be in those positions," she said.

Hudson said he was motivated partially by the prospect of bringing a new voice to city government.

"I want to see some people who are in it for the city," Hudson said. On his application, Hudson said he wants people to look up to their city and also have faith in their leaders.

"The constituents need to be remembered when following the process as their servant," he said in the application. "All roads in Yuba County lead to Marysville."

Pedigo, a retail employee who finished third in a three-candidate race for two council seats in November, could not be reached for comment on Friday.

In his application, Pedigo said his approach will come from his first-hand business experience.

"The vision of leadership I have is based on common-sense solutions to complex issues and specific plans to successfully accomplish common objectives," he wrote.

Choosing a new council member is the only item for Tuesday's meeting.

The opening, which was created when council member Ricky Samayoa won the mayor's seat in November, would be for a term expiring in 2014.

CONTACT Ben van der Meer at bvandermeer@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4786. Find him on Facebook at /ADbvandermeer or on Twitter at @ADbvandermeer.