The Mission City Council selected a replacement for Councilman Gus Martinez on Monday night.

Martinez resigned to become city attorney. Mission’s city charter required the City Council to fill the vacancy within 10 days. 

Local pharmacist Alberto Vela was tapped to fill the Place 4 position. 

“We wanted someone trustworthy and someone with an open mind, ready to serve their community and that is what we got,” Mayor Dr. Armando O’Caña said. “We have work to do and he is ready to hit the ground running.”

Mayor O’caña won the Place 4 seat in May of 2016. Martinez replaced him in June of 2018, when he became mayor. Vela will serve in the seat until May 2020.

 “I look forward to working with Mr. Vela, our staff and the public on vital projects,” City Manager Randy Perez said. “This is an important time for the City of Mission and we will continue moving forward and work diligently to improve the lives of our residents.”