Gladstone council appoints planning commission chair Cameron Nave after contested election seat debate

The Gladstone City Council appointed Cameron Nave, chair of the city’s Planning Commission, to fill a vacant council seat until the next regular election after a lengthy public comment period and council discussion about election eligibility and transparency.

Why it matters: The seat became vacant after the April municipal election produced a winner who, the city said, was ineligible to take the oath because of a personal property tax delinquency at the time ballots closed. State law and Gladstone ordinances restrict remedies for that circumstance, so the council must either appoint a replacement to serve until April 2026 or allow the incumbent to remain until a successor is sworn in.

What happened in the meeting - Public comment: Several residents addressed the council during communications from the audience, urging the council to honor the election result and appoint Molly Gibson, who won the most votes in April. Molly Gibson spoke to the council and said, “Over 900 people in this city cast their vote in April, and that vote should mean something.” Other speakers, including Dave Hickman and several Gladstone residents, told the council they were disappointed by delays and urged transparency. - Legal context and council discussion: Mayor Les Smith explained council staff and the city attorney had reviewed state statutes and city ordinances for cities of the third class and said those laws (and supporting case law) do not permit an exception when a candidate’s personal property taxes are unpaid at the close of voting. The mayor said the city explored options and delayed final action while the candidate reportedly consulted counsel; no court action had been filed as of the meeting. - Council decision process: The mayor proposed a hybrid approach—allowing letters of interest from current boards and commission members and interviewing candidates—or directly appointing a qualified community member already familiar with city business. Several council members said they favored filling the seat with someone who understands city procedures and ongoing projects. Council discussion identified the planning commission chair as an expedient, experienced choice.

Formal action and vote - Motion and outcome: Mayor Les Smith nominated Cameron Nave to fill the vacancy. The council carried the appointment by roll-call vote with Councilman Davis voting aye, Council member Spalo aye, Councilman Bill Granos abstaining, Mayor Pro Tem Moore aye, and Mayor Les Smith aye. The appointment results in four yes votes, zero no votes and one abstention; Nave will serve until a successor is duly elected and sworn in at the next regularly scheduled election.

Context and tensions reflected at the meeting - Election margin and timing: The mayor noted the April contest was decided by 39 votes out of 1,773 cast. The mayor and council repeatedly said they respect voters but that state law and local code leave the council with limited formal choices when a winning candidate is legally ineligible at the time polls close. - Community reaction: Public commenters pushed for appointing the election winner; other speakers and at least one resident who supported the challenger urged adherence to law and process. Council members acknowledged a desire for transparency and apologized that some emails from residents had not received acknowledgments while the city sought legal guidance.

About the appointee - Cameron Nave: Council members described Nave as the planning commission chair, a commercial banker, a member of the capital improvements program committee and an active participant in recent comprehensive‑plan work. Council members said his planning commission experience and committee roles give him familiarity with land use, capital projects and other near‑term city matters.

Next steps - Service length: Nave was sworn in to serve until the next qualified successor is elected and sworn, which the council said will be at the regular election cycle in April 2026 unless earlier action is taken under law. - Potential future elections: The mayor noted the ineligible candidate and the incumbent may both run in the next election if they choose; council members urged that future contests be resolved at the ballot box if eligibility is restored.

Ending: The council completed the appointment and adjourned after completing other business on the agenda.