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Special election still on for SH mayor |
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Tuesday, 16 June 2009 |
A motion to repeal the special election to determine the next mayor of Shannon Hills failed during a special City Council meeting Thursday night.
The council voted Tuesday night to hold a special election to decide who will succeed former Mayor Larance Davis.
The council still has not set a date for the special election, which officials say will cost between $6,500-$7,000, even if there is a runoff election.
Saundra Vosburg, the city recorder, has been serving as interim mayor since the end of May when Davis resigned from the position after pleading guilty to charges of failing to file state income tax returns.
Alderman Toni Cobb made the motion to repeal the council’s decision after City Attorney Patrick Benca clarified how much the election would cost. The motion failed to get a second.
Alderman Dave Holsomback said he thinks a date will be set within the next few days.
“We’ll have to sit down with our city attorney and do the paperwork and get it to the county clerk’s office,” he said.
Holsomback said he is for a special election, even though he is sensitive to residents’ concerns over the cost.
“For me, it all comes down to transparency and the ability of Shannon Hills to finally have a voice in their city government again,” he said, noting the city probably doesn’t have the money to spend on a special election. “But at the same time, this in an opportunity for the city to give back and encourage residents to be involved again.
“We can go through the appointment process. It’s been done time and time again, much to the dismay of residents. If citizens have a right to vote, it’s incumbent on them to get out and vote. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad, but at least it’s the people’s choice.”
Holsomback has been on the council for four years.
On Tuesday, Cobb and Alderman James Smith voted against holding a special election. Voting in favor were Holsomback, Robin Baker, Sue Skipper and Evelyn Cador.
Smith said he respects the council’s decision, but he thinks it would be better for the city to save money and appoint a mayor.
Vosburg said she plans to run for mayor in the special election.
“It never occurred to me to become mayor, but I really like and feel that I could do a good job,” she said.
She has lived in the city for about 25 years and has attended meetings since 1999, she noted.
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Razorbacks
