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Regular City Council Minutes - 11/24/03 Page 6 Klausing moved, Maschka seconded, an amendment to the ordinance as drafted and revised by the City Attorney to include Section C, to read, "Special Primary Election: Whenever there are more than two candidates to fill a City Council vacancy, a special Primary Election shall be held as soon after the vacancy is declared as is practical under State law. Councilmen1ber Klausing clarified for the benefit of the audience that a short-term appointment would be made once the vacancy was determined as per state statute, and was not at issue tonight. Counciln1ember Klausing noted that he was willing to seek a consensus in holding a Special Election, but opined the lack of consensus continued on the timing of the Special Election and the n1echanism to receive a majority of the votes. Counciln1en1ber Klausing expressed his willingness to compromise and hold a Special Election in the fall of 2004 to ensure a larger voter turnout and thus, representing a majority of the citizens, given past Council rationale and vote to n10ve to even-year elections to encourage larger voter turnout with state and federal elections. Councilmember Klausing addressed comments expressed tonight related to a level playing field, and expressed his opinion related to the disadvantages of holding a Special Election early in the spring, allowing those candidates having just run for office an advantage over newcomers to the process; and the unnecessary additional taxpayer expense for a Special Election in addition to the upcoming fall election. Councilmember Klausing reiterated his desire to find common ground and move forward, ensuring that the person elected to the vacancy receives a majority vote. Councilmember Maschka opined that he would support the amendment only if a Primary Election were included. Councilmember Schroeder spoke against the amendment to the motion, and expressed concern with Councilmember