The San Diego City Council meeting today could be a tense one and the fates of attorney Rafael Castellanos and businessman Marshall Merrifield hang in the balance.
The men were recently appointed as commissioners to the Port of San Diego. Castellanos is a democrat, Merrifield is a Republican. Democratic Council President Todd Gloria joined with the four Republican council members to appoint the men.
But San Diego Mayor Bob Filner vetoed the move, saying the council should hold off on the appointments until the currently vacant District 4 council seat is filled.
Critics said Filner was unhappy a Republican was appointed.
The council needs six votes to override the mayor’s veto. Councilwoman Sherri Lightner is viewed as the likely swing vote. Lightner ran against Merrifield in the 2008 primary for her District 1 council seat.
