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Council opts to fill District 5 vacancy by application and appointment, not by leaving seat empty
Summary
After debate over special election timing and local representation, the council voted 7-3 to use a posted application process and appoint a replacement to serve until the next election rather than leave the District 5 seat vacant until April.
The Common Council on Tuesday adopted a selection process to fill the District 5 aldermanic vacancy by soliciting applications and selecting an appointee, rather than leaving the seat open until the next regular election.
The vacancy followed the recent resignation/passing of Ald. Gary Gisselman. Councilors discussed three options: (1) leave the seat vacant until the April election, (2) hold a special election, or (3) solicit applicants and appoint an interim representative. Several members said District 5 residents needed a contact for constituent issues and city business, including ongoing projects in that area.
Alder Rasmussen and others noted past council practice of accepting applications from district residents and selecting an appointee, which the clerk said would include public notice in the official newspaper and on the city website. Opponents of the appointment route argued a special election best protects voter choice; supporters said a special election was impractical given timelines and cost, and that appointees would face the voters in the upcoming regular election if they wished to continue.
Council adopted the appointment process (motion passed 7-3). The clerk will publish notice, accept letters of interest and resumes, verify residency and eligibility, and present applicants for council consideration.
Ending: The council chose the application-and-appointment route; the vacancy will be publicized and applicants considered at a future meeting.
