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Lon Allen appointed to Monte Sereno City Council after rank-choice vote
Summary
After interviewing four candidates, the Monte Sereno City Council appointed Lon Allen to the vacant council seat on June 27, 2025, by a 3–1 roll-call vote following a rank-choice ballot procedure. The council must fill the seat by July 11, 2025.
The Monte Sereno City Council appointed Lon Allen to the vacant council seat at a special meeting on June 27, 2025, after conducting interviews and a rank-choice voting procedure.
Mayor Craig explained the interview and voting process before the candidates spoke: each candidate answered the same set of questions in a rotating order, and council members used rank-choice ballots to rank the four contenders; ballots were collected and tallied by the mayor and the city manager and validated by the city attorney. The council moved to appoint Lon Allen; the roll-call vote recorded three yes votes and one no. The clerk recorded Council member Shannon — yes; Council member Magnachuk — no; Vice Mayor Lahey — yes; Mayor Craig — yes, yielding a 3–1 outcome.
Lon Allen, who emphasized fire safety and fiscal conservatism during his interview, said during closing remarks, “Well, as you all know, I've been involved more than 15 years. I think I could seamlessly fit in for the next 18 months.” That experience was part of council members’ consideration when they voted.
The council’s procedure set a deadline of July 11, 2025, for filling the seat; the vote on June 27 finalized the appointment. Mayor Craig congratulated Allen and adjourned the special meeting.
What’s next: Allen will serve the remainder of the term; any council assignments to external boards or committees will be made by the mayor following standard appointment processes.
