Gamble Returns to Rancho Santa Margarita Mayoral Seat

By Martin Henderson

Apparently, you can go home again. Carol Gamble on Wednesday night was appointed mayor of Rancho Santa Margarita by her colleagues on the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council.

Gamble, an original member of the city’s council in 2000, was also the city’s second mayor, in 2001.

She replaces Tony Beall, who became the first councilman to ever serve back-to-back terms. Beall actually served the past three years in that role.

Beall nominated Gamble, but she was not selected unanimously.

She received additional votes by Beall and Brad McGirr; although no one submitted an alternate name, Steve Baric and Jesse Petrilla both voted no.

Petrilla’s vote was curious; a year ago, he had  nominated Gamble to become the mayor, though she declined at that time, but he did not support her Wednesday.

Gamble then nominated Brad McGirr to succeed her as the mayor pro tem.

No one else was nominated. McGirr won election in 2012 to fill a two-year term, and received four votes from his colleagues. Petrilla abstained. 

Gamble was appointed to the council as Gary Thompson's replacement following his resignation in 2011 and won election in 2012.