Council nomination for vacant seat withdrawn as members debate selection process and timeline

Taylor City Council on Tuesday opened discussion of filling a vacant council seat and heard multiple members and residents urge a clearer, faster process after more than a year of failed nominations.

Councilwoman Brandana nominated Chuck Kynes to fill the vacancy created under Section 4.5 of the city charter; Brandana said Kynes is a lifelong Taylor resident and community volunteer. Several council members and residents objected to voting on a candidate who had not submitted a resume or formally applied; other council members said they had contacted the nominee and confirmed his willingness to serve. After an extended discussion about process, outreach and fairness, Brandana withdrew the nomination and said she would re‑nominate at a future meeting if the council preferred.

Residents urged the council to adopt a timetable for filling vacancies. One speaker said 13 nominations had been considered over the prior months without consensus and suggested amending the charter to set a deadline. Council members noted the charter vests appointment authority with the council and that the city has historically left the timing and selection to council discretion. Several members said they prefer appointing an experienced local candidate; others said they support the “next‑in‑line” approach (the top vote‑getter from the most recent election) to honor voters’ choices, but other councilmembers pointed out complications, such as multi‑year gaps and the practical question of whether those voters' preferences remain representative.

Council members agreed to keep the item on the agenda for the next meeting and pursue additional outreach and conversations with potential nominees. No appointment was made.

Ending: Councilmembers said they will continue to try to fill the seat and encouraged residents who have applied to make themselves available for follow‑up conversations.