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Special Election Set For June 4th To Fill Vacant Santa Clara Supe Seat

SAN JOSE (CBS SF) - The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to hold a special election on June 4 to fill the seat of former District 2 Supervisor George Shirakawa.

"It gives enough time for people to hold an election and campaign," Supervisor President Ken Yeager said.

Tuesday's vote was the second on the issue; the board gave initial approval to holding a June 4 election last week. The board could have appointed someone to fill the seat in the interim before the election but opted not to.

Supervisor Mike Wasserman said any candidates who have talked about running and those who have yet to make a decision are "all capable of putting together an election campaign over the next two and a half months."

Those interested in running may gather signatures to get their names on the special election ballot beginning Wednesday. The signatures must be collected and submitted by March 27.

Shirakawa resigned March 1, a day after the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office charged him with felony perjury, felony misuse of public funds and seven misdemeanors for filing inaccurate campaign and government finance reports.

Only three supervisors were present for Tuesday's vote; Supervisor Dave Cortese was attending a meeting in Washington, D.C.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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