14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 30-MAY 6, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com A vote to elect a member of the public as a commissioner on the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) of Monterey County turned into a political skirmish on Monday, April 27, dredging up disputes over both Peninsula water and a Salinas Valley land annexation. It resulted in a stalemate over the vote to choose someone to represent the public on the influential land use board. Commissioner Matt Gourley’s term was set to end on Monday, May 4, triggering the need for the commission to select a public member. Gourley reapplied for another fouryear term. Running against him were Michael DeLapa, executive director of LandWatch Monterey County, and Brian Okazaki, an attorney originally from Orange County. The seven-member commission is made up of two representatives from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, two from among the county’s 12 cities, two from among the county’s 41 special districts and one member of the public. To be appointed, the public member needs support from at least one supervisor, one city representative and one special district representative, and at least four votes. On April 27, both supervisors— Wendy Root Askew and Kate Daniels— refused to vote for either Gourley or DeLapa, and appeared disinterested in backing an unknown in Okazaki. “I am increasingly concerned about the politicization of our bodies that are elected and appointed to serve the public,” Daniels said. She then took direct aim at Gourley for his vote in 2021 against granting the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District the authority to buy out California American Water, as was approved by voters in 2018. (MPWMD took LAFCO to court in 2022. A judge set aside the 5-2 LAFCO vote in 2023.) Daniels also took issue with DeLapa, who she called “equally political” as Gourley, over DeLapa’s criticisms of an annexation plan by Gonzales to expand its boundaries for housing. Root Askew sided with Daniels, adding she wanted a candidate who would set aside partisan opinions on the regional board. Commissioner Mary Ann Leffel, a representative of the Monterey Regional Airport District who voted along with Gourley in 2021 against MPWMD, moved to reappoint him. The commission’s vote was 3-3, with Gourley abstaining and Seaside Mayor Ian Oglesby joining the two supervisors in voting no. Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue and Chad Lindley of the Monterey County Regional Fire District voted yes along with Leffel. “See you in June,” Leffel declared, preceding the commission’s formal decision to return to the process at LAFCO’s next meeting on June 22. Although Gourley’s term ends May 4, the bylaws state that if the commission cannot agree on a replacement, the incumbent remains until one is chosen. Gourley plans on staying put as long as it takes, which could be a long time. “I don’t think we’re going to get there with the people we currently have on the LAFCO board,” he says. “I think we’re stuck.” Playing Politics Water and land disputes loom large in a LAFCO vote that results in a stubborn stalemate. By Pam Marino Matt Gourley has served on LAFCO for 25 years, first as a city representative when he was a member of Gonzales City Council, then as a commissioner representing the public. NEWS “I am increasingly concerned about the politicization.” Voted Monterey County’s Best Antique Shop ’25 ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • GEAR-000383, GEAR-000376, GEAR-000375 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play
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