Committee outlines timeline, questions and in-person interviews for District 1 vacancy

The Executive Committee reviewed the process for filling the District 1 alder vacancy and set a schedule for interviews and recommendation to council. Karen told the committee the call for applications is open and applications are due Tuesday, August 4. "The call for applications for District 1 has opened up," she said, adding, "the applications are open until Tuesday, August 4, end of day."

The committee will hold a special CCEC meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1 to conduct candidate interviews and make a recommendation to the full council on Sept. 8. Karen said staff expects interviews to be in person (MMB215) because hybrid formats created challenges in prior processes. The chair and staff also discussed providing candidate questions in advance and possible second-round tie-breaker questions.

Members debated how structured the evaluation should be. Attorney Haas noted the ordinance gives broad discretion and that members traditionally use their judgment: "I don't think it's a little bit different than a job application...you can decide for yourself what's acceptable to you." Several alders suggested providing questions to applicants ahead of time and timing responses during interviews to promote concision and fairness.

Staff said the president and chief of staff will monitor the district inbox during the vacancy and will track interim decisions so they can be handed to the new appointee. The committee did not take a vote on the process; staff will circulate draft questions for committee review, aiming for an August 4 work session or email feedback prior to Sept. 1.