By Mac Trammell
Buena Vista saw its city council stay mostly intact after election night—only one newcomer will join the council while two incumbents won back their seats. The council will have to appoint an interim councilmember by Jan 1.
Larry Tolley was set to serve a two-year term on council, but won the city’s mayoral race. In order to take his new job as mayor, Tolley will have to give up his seat on council. That open seat will have to be filled by an appointment from council.
The appointed seat will be temporary. When the council appoints its interim member, he or she will only inhabit the seat until the next election, which will occur next November.
The council invites interested candidates to send a letter to the council stating their willingness to run. Council member Steve Baldridge, who was one of the incumbents, suggested that the council get started on its search quickly.
The council will not be able to appoint its interim member until Jan 1. Bill Fitzgerald, the newest councilmember, cannot take his place on council until the New Year. The council cannot appoint an interim member until Fitzgerald officially becomes a member.
The race for city council featured six candidates running for three spots. Of the three losers, Tyson Cooper said he would seek the interim appointment, while Andy Wolfe declined to put his name in the ring.
Another issue the council must face is the appointment of a new vice mayor. Tolley, in addition to vacating his council seat, will give up his title of vice mayor to become the real mayor. The council will elect a new vice mayor from amongst its own ranks. The appointment will have to be made after Jan. 1.