Three Roeland Park councilmembers have proposed that the city consider shifting its approach for filling unplanned city council vacancies by an appointment process rather than holding a special election. The question was raised following Ward One councilmember Becky Fast’s county commission win and pending city council resignation.
Roeland Park’s current code requires the city to fill vacancies that occur more than 180 days prior to the next regular election through a special election process. The special election costs $3,000 and takes 90 days to set up. If Roeland Park were to follow this established process and Fast resigned before her commission term starts in mid-January the special election would provide her replacement by March 2019.
However, if the vacancy occurs less than 180 days prior to next election the position is filled through an appointment by the mayor “with the advice and consent” of the majority of remaining councilmembers.
The discussion point was brought up by councilmembers Jen Hill, Erin Thompson, and Michael Poppa. Poppa said the group was bringing up the item because “it’s relevant” and “not for any other reason.”
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