Council debates candidate selection process for Kahler's vacant seat

Tiffin City Council is moving forward with plans to fill the vacancy left by former council member Kahler, who was an independent. During the January 21, 2025 meeting, council members discussed the process for appointing a new member, emphasizing the need for a clear and structured approach.

Council members acknowledged the importance of ensuring that candidates demonstrate a commitment to the community. Councilmember Jones suggested that interested candidates should be required to submit a petition, indicating their long-term interest in serving on the council. This approach aims to attract individuals who are dedicated to the role rather than those seeking a temporary position.

Additionally, Councilmember Hayes proposed aligning the deadline for candidate petitions with the date for accepting applications, suggesting February 5 as a key date for both submissions. This synchronization is intended to streamline the selection process and ensure that all candidates are considered fairly.

The council is still deliberating on the specifics of the voting process, particularly how to handle multiple candidates. There was discussion about potentially using a continuous round of voting to eliminate candidates until a majority is reached. This method aims to ensure that the selected candidate has broad support among council members.

As the council prepares to finalize the appointment process, these discussions highlight the importance of transparency and community engagement in local governance. The next steps will be crucial in determining how effectively Tiffin can fill this vacancy and continue its work for the community.