The Palm Coast City Council on Tuesday selected Charles A. Gambaro Jr. to fill out the remainder of a four-year term vacated by the resignation of Cathy Heighter. Gambaro will serve until the 2026 election, when a new member will be elected by the residents of Palm Coast. This appointment is the third one the City Council has had to make since 2020.
Gambaro was one of nine applicants who interviewed with the City Council for the job, beating out the competition at Tuesday evening's business meeting. He provided a resume that includes service in the U.S. Army earning the rank of Brigadier General, a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Master's Degrees in Public Administration and in Strategic Studies, and a candidacy for a Doctoral in Public Administration. He also used to serve as an appointed member of the Flagler School Board following the resignation of Jim Guines.
The swearing-in of Gambaro took place after the City Council took place following a 3-1 vote in his favor, with Mayor David Alfin and Council members Ed Danko and Nick Klufas forming the majority. Councilwoman Theresa Carli Pontieri dissented, having supported Darryl Boyer for the seat instead. Boyer ran unsuccessfully for the state legislature this year, losing to Sam Greco in the Republican primary.
Also applying were Planning Board member Sandra Shank and former appointed City Council member Vincent Lyon, both viewed as strong contenders leading up to the decision. When the City Council was prompted to list their three favorites, two applicants received three of four votes: Boyer and Gambaro. One vote apiece was dedicated to Robert Boggers, Demetrios Maroosis, Ronald Nakabaale, and Meredith Rodriguez. Lyon and Shank received no love.
Tuesday's appointment is the third time in recent years the City Council has appointed a member following a resignation. In 2020 they appointed former Mayor Jon Netts to fill out Jack Howell's term after Howell resigned due to health concerns. Flagler voters then elected Victor Barbosa to close out the last two years of the Howell/Netts term, until Barbosa also resigned. In 2022 they chose Flagler Schools employee John Fanelli to fill Barbosa's term.
