Blufftown Council unanimously appoints Spencer Wade to fill midterm vacancy

The Blufftown Council unanimously appointed Spencer Wade to fill a midterm vacancy during a special meeting on Oct. 28, 2025.

Councilmembers interviewed two applicants before the vote. Wade described moving to Bluff after meeting his partner and said he values the town’s people and sense of community. Gary Hawes, the other applicant, emphasized decades of local experience and law-enforcement background; both confirmed they would be available to meet with council members to be briefed on ongoing work.

The council conducted a short public discussion about committee continuity, noting planning and zoning work and seven public hearings scheduled later that evening. Speaker 6 moved to appoint Wade; Speaker 2 seconded the motion. “Motion to appoint Spencer Wade for midterm council vacancy,” Speaker 6 said during the roll call; the motion passed unanimously.

Councilmembers said the newly appointed member will be sworn in on Nov. 4 during the regular meeting and offered to provide onboarding, tech access and a brief orientation prior to that date. Staff said they will set up Wade’s email and provide documents and project briefings.

The vote followed public questioning about candidates’ availability and priorities. Wade mentioned interest in an ongoing cemetery project and expressed willingness to begin interim work if seated early. The council emphasized maintaining planning and zoning capacity while onboarding the new member before the new council composition takes effect in January.

The meeting recessed for a break and moved on to other agenda items after the appointment.