Letters of interest accepted

Staff

Published Tuesday, June 28, 2005

By Jennifer Rogers, Tribune staff writer

George Marin, 3rd Ward council member, asked for the well wishes and prayers of the community Monday night, while the city council moves through the process of appointing a new mayor.

"We are charged with a heavy, important decision to make and I would ask that we have guidance and wisdom during this time," Marin said.

During the meeting, the council approved a procedure for the appointment: The city manager's office will accept letters of interest through 5 p.m. July 6. At the July 7 pre-agenda meeting, City Manager Victoria Simonsen will report to the council the number of letters she has received. At the following pre-agenda meeting on July 21 the council will hear five-minute presentations from the individuals who turned in letters of interest.

The council will then come to a consensus on who the top candidates are and meet for another interview.

"And after that (we will) make our decision," Marin said. "So sometime in August we would have a mayor."

Jean Eaton resigned from office June 9. Since then the council has been following procedures set in the city charter.

Section 2.07, subdivision two states, "a vacancy in the office of mayor must be filled promptly by council appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term."

Marin suggested the additional time in the appointment process, and amended the initially

suggested motion from Jeff Fjelstad, 4th Ward, which asked to have the letters of intent due and the five-minute presentations at the July 7 pre-agenda meeting.

"I don't see why we need to rush this issue," Marin said. "We have whatever promptly means, 30, 60, 90 days, so that we as a council can do our due diligence. So that we can find the best resolution in our circumstances."

While the entire council voted for the amended motion, Randy Erdman, 2nd Ward council member, said it would be counter productive to appoint someone from the community.

"This council has vision and we need to consider what is best for the community," Erdman said.

"This council passed Albert Lea Listens, the historical preservation ordinance, and on down the line. It wasn't one individual, it was the council. If we did this the proper way, Al Brooks, (mayor pro tem), would be appointed mayor. I think we should appoint from within. We have good vision (and) we should move on.

"I will go along with what the council likes to do as a whole, but I will not support this at all," Erdman said. "I don't think it is good for the community. When the Minnesota Twins need a pinch hitter do they go up into the stands? No, they look to their bench."

---

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?

---