Durham Council unanimously appoints Jay Gooze to fill Vogt’s vacant seat

The Durham Town Council on May 4 unanimously appointed Dr. Jay Gooze to fill the council seat left vacant by Robin Vogt’s May 1 resignation and immediately swore him in.

Councilor Carden Welsh moved to nominate Dr. Gooze, citing his prior two terms on the council, longtime volunteer work with town departments and experience on local boards; Councilor Jim Lawson seconded the nomination. The council approved the appointment by roll-call vote, 7-0. Town Clerk Rachel Deane administered the oath of office, and Dr. Gooze took his seat at the dais.

Welsh described Gooze’s record of municipal and community service, noting his work with the library project and his familiarity with town budgeting and departmental operations. Dr. Gooze said he “really cares about the town and fears the fiscal headwinds it faces,” adding that he hopes to work with the council to address those challenges while recognizing the diversity of resident views.

After seating Dr. Gooze, the council completed a set of liaison reassignments. Councilor Emily Friedrichs will continue on the Cemetery Committee and represent the council to the Durham Business Association; Councilor Gooze will serve as liaison to the Agricultural Commission and the Human Rights Commission; Councilor Curtis Register will represent the council on the Land Stewardship Subcommittee and the Town‑Gown Collaborative; and Councilor Jim Lawson will be the council’s Energy Committee liaison. The reassignment motion passed unanimously, 8-0.

The appointment closes the immediate vacancy; the seat will be contested at the next municipal election according to town rules.