ANTIOCH – Following Melissa Rhodes’ resignation as city clerk in July, the Antioch City Council on Tuesday voted for Michael Mandy to fill that role until November 2026.
He began performing his duties as city clerk during the regular meeting.
“Thank you very much. I hope to make you proud of your selection. I appreciate it very much,” said Mandy, who has lived in Antioch since 1994, during his swearing-in session. “This is very emotional.”
In August, the Antioch City Council decided to appoint a replacement for Rhodes instead of holding a special election.
Officials said it was a more cost-effective solution. According to the city, it would have cost as much as $1 million had a standalone special election been held prior to November 2026.
The city received five applications for the open position, including interest from former Antioch Councilmember Lori Ogorchock.
Mandy previously managed his family’s insurance business before starting work as a technician for AT&T in 2013.
Having lived in the city for more than two decades, Mandy said he has “experienced” Antioch as it went through its “highs and lows.”
“And I, my neighbors, citizens, we would like to reach those highs,” said Mandy.
He noted that the role of a city clerk may “not seem like a very important job” beyond paperwork, but it is one that connects residents to city government officials.
Part of the job, said Mandy, is to be transparent, keeping the public informed of city meetings, maintaining accurate records, and helping to manage public meetings and elections in a fair and impartial manner.
“The posture of impartiality is particularly important in these times when citizens from all backgrounds worry that they’re not being represented fairly,” said Mandy. “It is important that each person who lives in Antioch knows that the city clerk and all the members of the council represent all of them equally.”
The council voted 4-1 in favor of Mandy with Mayor pro tem Louie Rocha in dissent.