MESA When the Mesa City Council meets, three seats remain empty.
The city of 455 should have a five-person council and a mayor, but it is missing two council members and a mayor. The council positions have been open since 2005, and the mayors job since August.
Terri Standridge, city clerk-treasurer, said in her 20 years at city hall, she can only recall one other time when Mesa lacked two council members and a mayor simultaneously. But then, locals were appointed to the positions within months.
Former Mayor Austin Davis was appointed and then elected mayor in 2008, Standridge said. However, he resigned because of work and family obligations.
Councilman David Ferguson, who has been on the council for 10 years, is serving as mayor pro-tem.
Gail Gonzalez has been a city councilwoman since Jan. 2008, and Jim Cronenwett started July 2008.
If someone were to apply for one of the city council positions, they would have to be appointed by Gov. Chris Gregoire, Standridge said.
The city council has 90 days to appoint a replacement. After that, the approval goes to Franklin County commissioners for 90 days, and then to the governor.
Franklin County commissioners have the approval authority for the mayor position. But soon, it will also be at the gubernatorial level, she said.
The positions have been posted at Mesas city hall and post office and in city newsletters. However, there hasnt been much interest, Standridge said.
The mayor receives a monthly stipend of $150, and council members receive $10 a meeting for a maximum of $40 a month.
With only three out of five council members, all must be present for the council to have a quorum and take action, Standridge said. And all three must agree in order for a motion or resolution to pass.
We get our stuff done, she said. For a little town, we seem to get a lot of business.
To be a council member or mayor, someone must be a resident of Mesa for more than one year, be a registered voter, and not hold another public office in the city.
Similar stories:
Lawyer, sales executive vie for seat on Richland council
Lawyer, sales executive vie for seat on Richland council
An incumbent Hanford lawyer and a Canon senior sales executive currently serving as chairman of the Richland Planning Commission are vying for a seat on the Richland City Council.
Sandra Kent, 46, a senior labor and employment lawyer for CH2M Hill, was appointed to the council in 2008 to fill a vacancy when former Mayor Rob Welch resigned.
She was elected in 2009 to fill the remainder of that term, and now is seeking her first full term in Position 3 on the council.
Kennewick City Council
Kennewick City Council
Three of Kennewick's council members face challengers this year, and two are getting a run for their money from serious-minded candidates with solid credentials.
The third challenger has drawn nationwide headlines with an anti-immigrant stand that advocates deadly force to stop illegal aliens from crossing the border. He has gotten enough publicity.
Steve Young
Parks board vote sparks conflict
Parks board vote sparks conflict
An appointment to the Richland Parks & Recreation Commission sparked conflict among city council members Tuesday.
The debate centered around a recommendation by Councilwoman Sandra Kent and commission member Brad Anderson to appoint Tony Maya in place of sitting member John Butterfield, who has served since 2002.
The terms for the positions held by Butterfield and current Chairman Terry Christensen, who is running for the city council seat being vacated by Sheila Sullivan, both expired Aug. 31. Kent and Anderson recommended that Christensen be re-appointed.
West Richland swears in council members
West Richland swears in council members
Two new West Richland City Council members and an incumbent were sworn in for four-year terms during Tuesday night's council. They are Tony Benegas, who has served since 2008, Ron Hayden and Robert Perkes.
Council members also unanimously re-elected Rich Buel as mayor pro tem.
Local search planned for interim leader for Reach center
Local search planned for interim leader for Reach center
The Richland Public Facilities District board plans to look locally for an interim director of The Hanford Reach Interpretive Center.
An interim chief executive could "settle everything down," said board member Dan Boyd.
"I think we need someone in quickly -- in weeks rather than months," said board member Rick Jansons.
Print
Email Story
