margie matthews has long been the front-runner to replace district 4 representative chew after being recommended by mayor elect sam liccardo and mayor chuck reed. several council members boycotted the process calling it a rushed power grab by liccardo to get more supporters on the council. >> by pushing through an appointment he may feel it's a sign of strength but it's actually a very, very distinct sign of weakness. >> reporter: the police and firefighter unions say they feel betrayed and see a long drawn-out fight over pension reform. >> it may be unavoidable. and that's too bad. it's sad for the troops. i think it's sad for city hall and the citizens. especially in district 4. >> reporter: liccardo shrugged off criticism pointing out he had pushed for a public hearing on this appointment several weeks ago and said matthews is a good choice and has already promised not to run in the april special election to elect the next district 4 councilmember. >> i'm cough sent margie matthews has the intelligence and independence to represent that district very well. i don't think margie's g

. >> former san jose council member margie matthews has long been the front-runner to replace councilmaner being recommended. several council members boycotted the replacement process calling it a rushed power grab to get more supporters on the council. >> by pushing through an appointment, he may feel that is a sign of strength. the's actually a very distinct sign of weakness. >> police and firefighter unions say they feel betrayed by the new mayor and see a long, drawnout fight over pension reform. >> it may be unavoidable. that's too bad. it's sad for the troops, city hall and the citizens. especially district four. >> he shrugged at the criticism calling out he pushed for a public hearing on this appointment several weeks ago and said matthews is a good choice and promised not to run in the april special election. >> i'm confident margie matthews has the intelligence and independence to represent that district very well. so i don't think margie will have any problem. >> with matthews in place, another controversial appointment needs to be made. city council will meet on december 30th

the sped-up appointment process and liccardo's quick recommendation of former councilmember margie matthews had critics accusing the mayor elect of ignoring democracy, bypassing voters, and insulting employee unions. >> what san jose needs is an end to the my way or the highway. >> is unprecedented, is dishonest, is unethical. >> reporter: liccardo did not back off support for matthews as she did her public interview before council. liccardo pointed out the council followed all legal processes and the district needed representation as soon as possible. he scoffed at accusations he betrayed anyone. >> we know there are a lot of folk hot would like to hit the reset button on the last mayoral election. they're going to continue to complain. i understand that. we're going to continue to work with everybody. >> reporter: even though several council members did boycott the vote, calling it a rushed process, the public interviews are wrapping up right now. we expect to know the appointee by our 6:00 newscast. >>> warning tonight for homeowners and merchants with flat rooftops, especially during th

council is hearing from several candidates for the spot but lecardo has thrown his report behind margie matthews, who is willing to do the job for free. >> she has a strong record for independence and in fact, has been strongly supported by labor unions in each of her two successful elections and we know those are the same special interests that have been very much opposing me. >> reporter: matthews also supported lecardo's run for mayor. a councilman says he's trying to pack the council with votes in his favor. >> i think this is a sign of not being willing to cooperate. i think it is a sign of weakness. >> reporter: lecardo has set a date for a special election in april with the winner seated in august. elissa harrington, abc 7 news. >>> residents in marin county have barely cleaned up from the last storm before today's rain hit. abc 7 news reporter nick smith with more from tiburon. >> it's scary. every time it rains this much, it gets scary. >> reporter: the rain is coming down but to understand why some get nervous, just ask myra. >> water was up to my ankles. it was really bad. >> reporter