By Staff
NILES - Five people have filed letters of intent seeking the open fourth ward seat on Niles City Council, Niles City Clerk Ruth Harte said Monday. The deadline for filing was Friday, March 31 at 5 p.m.
Letters were submitted by Bob Burch of 548 W. Main St., Andrew Plym of 1123 Sassafras Lane, Don Webber of 1215 Topinabee, William Scalla of 520 S. Lincoln Ave. and Penny Brazo of 527 Hillcrest Road.
Harte said the Niles City Charter states the position cannot be filled by election.
According to the Niles City Charter, the appointed person will serve until the next regular federal, state or city election held no less than 80 days from the date of vacancy.
The upcoming school board election on May 2 is too soon, it is within 80 days of the vacancy, which makes the next regular election after 80 days the Michigan state primaries on Tuesday, Aug. 8.
Harte said the letters have been forwarded to the other representative of the fourth ward, Councilmember Bruce Williams. Williams will then recommend one of the individuals for the seat, which will be approved or disapproved during an upcoming Niles City Council meeting.
Harte said a date for the council to vote on the position has not been set, but may occur at the Monday, April 10 meeting.
The fourth ward city council seat became vacant following Scott Clark's resignation at the regular meeting on Monday, March 13.