The City Council on Wednesday approved a mayoral appointment to the Finance and Budget Committee after a contentious discussion about the committee application process and candidate qualifications.

Council confirmed Candace Chow’s appointment to the Finance and Budget Committee in a 5‑3 roll‑call vote. Council then approved the reappointment of David Livingstone and new appointments Therese McGuire, Corey King and Stephanie Murray in a separate 7‑1 vote.

Several council members and public speakers criticized the city’s process for posting openings to boards and commissions, saying vacancies and application timelines were not sufficiently visible. John Martin, who identified himself as a District 202 board member, questioned whether the Finance and Budget Committee needed members with “professional, full‑time work in the field,” and argued the committee’s technical demands require candidates with deep finance experience.

Council member Rogers urged improvements to the process for volunteer board members, suggesting automatic calendar reminders when terms are due to expire so incumbents and applicants know when reapplication is necessary. Council member Kelly, who said she helped draft language requiring finance‑related experience for the committee, said she would prefer candidates with “two years of full‑time work in the field,” and asked that vacancies be publicized more aggressively.

Supporters of the confirmed appointees described their service and prior committee experience. Council members who voted to confirm said they wanted to fill vacancies and ensure committees could continue their work.

Councilors also discussed whether the clerk’s office or a deputy city manager should be responsible for clearer notification and application posting; multiple council members said vacancies are more likely to be managed effectively if the clerk’s office is fully staffed. No motion was made to rescind or reopen the appointments; the confirmed appointees will assume duties on the relevant boards and committees.