Councilor Craig Sutherland told the Superior Common Council on Nov. 16 that he will resign his 8th District seat effective Nov. 30, 2021. "I have decided that I need to focus on what's best for myself. Therefore, I will be resigning on the end of this month, 11/30/2021 from my position on the council," Sutherland said, adding that the decision reflected family considerations.

Sutherland asked the council to hold a special election in April 2022 so the district would have an elected representative rather than leave the seat vacant or rely solely on an appointment. The mayor and clerk summarized four options drawn in a staff memo: a special election, an appointment, a combined appointment with a later special election, or leaving the seat vacant until the next regular election.

After debate about representation, costs and precedent, the council adopted an amendment by roll call to fill the vacancy by appointment until a special election can be held. The main motion, as amended, directs the council to appoint an interim 8th District representative and to order a special election for April 5, 2022. The amendment and main motion carried.

Council set a process and schedule for the appointment: prospective applicants are to submit a resume and letter of intent (or equivalent) by Dec. 1; applicants are encouraged to give a five-minute statement at the Dec. 7 council meeting; public comment on nominees will be allowed (three-minute limit). The council adopted the selection procedure described in the clerk’s memo, including a nomination-and-vote process among councilors; the council explicitly adopted a rule that nominees will not be questioned by councilors during their presentations.

Councilors who supported appointment said an interim appointee prevents a months-long gap in constituency service. Opponents urged deferring to voters if the timeline allowed. The clerk noted historical precedent that vacancies had often been filled by appointment in past instances.

Next steps: city staff will publish notice and follow county advertising procedures for vacancies, collect letters of interest/resumes by Dec. 1, and present applicants to the council at the Dec. 7 meeting for consideration. The council’s special election is set for April 5, 2022, per the adopted motion.