Members of the Jefferson City Council are trying to decide how best to handle an upcoming vacancy on the council, and some are hoping to hear from residents on what should be done.
Fifth Ward Councilman Ralph Bray recently was elected to the Cole County recorder of deeds office, replacing 19-year incumbent Larry Rademan. After the election, Bray announced his resignation from the council, effective Dec. 31.
But that date falls right in the middle of the city's open filing period, and Bray's seat is up in the April election.
"We all recognize how awkward the dates are," Bray said.
Bray said he has told other council members and City Attorney Drew Hilpert that he could make his resignation effective earlier, if needed, but he's been told that won't be necessary.
That leaves the rest of the council to appoint a replacement, a process not unfamiliar to current members, as 2nd Ward Councilwoman Laura Ward was appointed to an open seat on the council in July. But what complicates this particular appointment process is that Bray's seat is up for grabs in the April election.
The city's filing period for the April election begins Dec. 16 and runs through Jan. 20. Most council members say they don't want to appoint a person who is running for the seat, if there is a race, to avoid the appearance of favoritism, meaning anyone appointed to the 5th Ward seat would end their service on the council in April.
"I would not want to appoint someone who is going to be filing for that position because I think it sends a wrong message," said 4th Ward Councilman Carlos Graham.
First Ward Councilman Rick Prather agreed, saying appointing a candidate running for that seat could be perceived as favoritism, and 4th Ward Councilman Glen Costales said it would give that person "a leg up."
Although one person, Mark Schreiber, has already announced his intention to run for the seat, the full list of candidates will not be known until the filing period ends, and council members say that creates another issue.
Council members expect the appointment process would take at least four weeks to allow for two council meetings and potentially a public forum to meet the nominated candidates. With that process not starting until after Jan. 20, the appointed member would serve for only about one to two months.
Several council members said because the time period is so short, they question whether an appointment should be made at all.
Graham said he's looking for input from 5th Ward residents on whether they would be OK leaving the seat vacant until the April election.
Costales said right now there is nothing coming before the council that he sees as controversial or a big issue, though that could change. He said he's also hoping to hear from 5th Ward residents on what they would prefer.
Third Ward Councilman Bob Scrivner said he is leaning toward leaving the seat open, but would like to hear from 5th Ward residents as well.
Second Ward Councilman Rick Mihalevich said he also is leaning toward leaving the seat open, unless there is some specific issue that arises where 5th Ward representation is crucial.
Mayor Eric Struemph said he would like to see the seat filled, even if it is only for a short time.
"Too many issues can come up that can affect a ward," Struemph said. "And a ward deserves to (have) a full set of votes at the council level."
Struemph, and other council members, said if Schreiber is the only candidate who files to run for the seat, they would like to appoint him.
But if there is a race and the council opts to fill the open seat, several council members said they would prefer to find a nominee with previous experience on the council.
"I think we would look for someone who has been involved in the community," said 3rd Ward Councilman Ken Hussey. "Somebody that's got some experience and some connectivity and so there wouldn't be as much of a learning curve."
Second Ward Councilwoman Laura Ward and 1st Ward Councilman Jim Branch did not return a call for comment.