Davis

Reading the various columns, opinions and editorials, one would think our city governance will come to an abrupt halt because Don Saylor is going to vacate his council seat (and mayorÕs gavel) early. So much drama about what to do… will the remaining council members appoint someone? How will they do it and ensure fairness? Or will they spent a quarter-million dollars while the city is in fiscal crisis to run a special election so voters can choose?

IÕm with Corinne Esser on this one. Hers is such a simple solution there must be some sticky legal reason it hasnÕt been brought up yet. Did I miss something, because it seems like Don has already declared his intent to vacate in January? ThatÕs kind of like a nine-month notice. An election for City Council members is already bought and paid for coming up in June when voters will be coming to the polls to elect two council members. And there are enough candidates in JuneÕs election to fill the two seats vacating in June as well as DonÕs seat.

The council members should just decide to unanimously appoint the third highest vote-getter from JuneÕs election to DonÕs vacated seat. Not only will this save the city a ton of money from running a special election, it will save candidates the expense of running another campaign, as well as less election junk mail. Plus, this individual will have six monthsÕ opportunity to get his or her feet wet before taking the seat.

Regarding who takes over the mayorÕs gavel, Corinne hit the nail on this one, too. Steve Souza had the second-highest number of votes in the 2008 election and should have this honor.

IÕd like to echo the request that the remaining four council members make the reasonable choice to not spend money on a special election and let the majority decision rule on who the next appointee will be. Choosing the third highest vote-getter in JuneÕs election will be a win-win for the city, the candidates, the council and the voters.

Anya Clasen

Davis

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