Robert Pierce was appointed to the 8th District alderperson seat on Tuesday after the Superior Common Council’s roll-call vote ended in a 4–4 tie and the mayor cast the deciding vote.

The council opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and the mayor explained a process that limited candidate speeches to five minutes and required nominations and seconds before voting. Four applicants — Randy Gordon, Ed Gallagher, Rob Pierce and Mike Herrick — spoke in that order about their backgrounds and interest in representing the district.

Pierce, a 17-year Superior resident and UA Local 11 member who said he has already filed a declaration of candidacy for the spring election, told the council he has received neighborhood support. “I’ve already garnered support from 53 of them,” Pierce said during his remarks.

Two public speakers urged the council to appoint Pierce. Butch Liebert of Local 11 said he supported Pierce’s character and community involvement: “I am here to ask for your appointment for Rob Pierce,” Liebert said. Mandy Campbell, business manager for Local 11 Plumbers and Steamfitters, said Pierce had long been active in union and community events and would be “an asset to the eighth district.”

Following nominations — one for Pierce (seconded by Councilor Ladin) and one for Mike Herrick (seconded by Councilor Kern) — the council entered a final roll-call vote. The mayor announced a 4–4 tie and then said, “I will vote for Robert Pierce.” The mayor then declared Pierce appointed and the clerk administered the oath of office.

The mayor thanked all four applicants for stepping forward and encouraged the newly seated councilor to ask procedural questions as he settled into the role. Pierce took his seat immediately after the oath and the council proceeded with the rest of the agenda.

What happens next: Pierce will serve through the spring election; he said his experience and local ties would allow a smooth transition. The council did not alter the procedural timeline for Pierce’s committee assignments and asked members to submit any suggested committee appointments.