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Astoria council opts to fill Ward 4 seat by appointment, schedules special meeting to set process
Summary
After hearing public comment and legal context, the council voted to fill the Ward 4 vacancy by appointment within the 60-day charter window and set a special meeting for Oct. 22 to establish application and interview procedures.
The Astoria City Council on Oct. 20 voted to fill the Ward 4 vacancy created by Councilor Lampe’s announced resignation (effective Nov. 1) by appointment and scheduled a special meeting on Oct. 22 to set the appointment process.
City Manager Spence reviewed Charter Section 4.9, telling the council a vacancy may be filled “within 60 days by appointment by a majority of the council” or alternatively “declared that vacancy will be filled at the next available election or at a special election.” Spence also said the county’s preliminary estimate for a special-election cost is roughly $6,000 to $8,000.
Several residents urged a special election so Ward 4 voters could choose their representative. Lisa Morley and other commenters expressed concern that an appointment would deny Ward 4 voters that choice; Colin Cummings asked how ties would be broken if councilors voted and there were only four voting members while the seat was vacant.
Councilors debated the trade-offs. Councilor Davis and Councilor Lum said they were inclined toward appointment to avoid a months-long vacancy and to ensure representation on near-term matters; Councilor Mozzarella and others expressed sympathy for an election but noted the charter provides both options.
Councilor Adams moved to fill the vacancy by appointment and to hold a special meeting to establish a timeline and process; Councilor Lum seconded. The motion passed and the council set a special meeting for Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 6:00 p.m. to develop application requirements, interview procedures and the public engagement plan.
Nut graf: The council chose appointment over a special election, citing speed and continuity of representation, and committed to a short, public process (special meeting Oct. 22) to define selection criteria and schedule so that the appointment can be completed within the charter’s 60-day window.
The motion did not change the charter language; Spence and the city attorney said an appointment fills the remainder of the predecessor’s term unless other law applies. Councilors requested clear residency and voter-registration checks, a public application period and interviews at the Oct. 22 session.
