The Observation Deck

Christopher Bindel wrote:I believe they can not take applications until the seat is officially been vacated. Which in this case is not until January first, with Bullock's current term expiring on the 31st. Council then has 60 days to fill the position.

I really don't think this is a sunshine issue, because as of right now there is not vacant position to be filled. The City, Council specifically, will make an announcement regarding the situation once there is a vacancy to fill and will then start collecting applications.

In the future if you are curious about something feel free to check out the Codified Ordinances on Conway Greene anytime. It is very helpful. In this case it does not give you the exact answer you are looking for, but often times it can. Below is a link to the site and what I found on the subject.

http://www.conwaygreene.com/Lakewood/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&2.0

Vacancies in Council shall be filled by the remaining members thereof, provided that in the event Council does not so appoint a successor within sixty (60) days of the occurrence of a vacancy, the Mayor may fill the vacancy. The term of any appointee filling such a vacancy shall expire at the end of the unexpired term of the former Councilmember if that vacancy occurs two (2) years and one hundred five (105) days or less before the next regular election to be held for the office of the former Councilmember, or otherwise until his or her successor is elected and qualified at the next regular municipal election. Any vacancy that results from a recall election shall be filled in the manner provided by Article XXII of this Charter. (Amended 11-8-11.)

stephen davis wrote:Planning is not a bad thing, but action in this case should be delayed until January.

Your examples are mechanically different than the current situation. As Mr. Bindel has stated, there is no current vacancy. A vacancy in Ward 2 will happen simultaneously with newly-elected Cindy Marx taking an at-large seat on Council, Tom Bullock taking a different Council seat, and Council-President Brian Powers and At-Large Council Member Monique Smith leaving. That is a lot of change. This appointment decision is best left to those who have to live with it, not to those who are leaving.

The City Charter addresses the filling of an empty council seat, but mostly with qualifications and deadlines. It does not address the process. The process is pretty much determined by Council. There is no application or interview process required, other than what Council agrees to at the time a seat becomes empty.

I'm sure that members of Council have considered candidates, but it would be premature to set the rules for selection. The first order of business in 2014 will probably be to swear in the new member and elect a new President of Council.

In the examples you mentioned, the elected body remained intact except for the vacancy. Early planning and action was appropriate.

From: Hagan, Mary [mailto:Mary.Hagan@lakewoodoh.net]
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 11:49 AM
To: Hagan, Mary
Subject: New Release Council Vacancy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 18, 2013

City Council accepting applications for the expected vacancy in Ward 2 Council seat.

Lakewood City Council will accept applications from residents of Ward 2 who are interested in seeking the position of Ward 2 councilperson. The Ward 2 seat is expected to become vacant in January 2014 when Councilmember Bullock resigns in order to be sworn in as an At-Large Member of Council.

Qualifications for members of Council may be found in the Second Amended Charter, Article 3, Section 2, and Article 23, Section 3. Vacancies are governed by Article 3, Section 2 of the Charter.

Applications for Ward 2 Councilmember should consist of a cover letter and current résumé. Such applications should be directed to the Clerk of Council, 12650 Detroit Road, Lakewood, OH 44107, or by email to council@lakewoodoh.net . Application materials should help give Council an appreciation of the applicant’s reason for seeking appointment and his or her qualifications to serve in office. Council may conduct interviews of qualified candidates as appropriate in 2014.

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For more information, please contact Lakewood City Council at (216) 529-6055.