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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 03, 2008 Page 14 Councilmember Ihlan addressed the two options, noting the upcoming election with the Primary already within the six month timeframe. Councilmember Ihlan responded to Mayor Klausing's suggestion for an ordinance amendment, opining that this was a unique situation, and was not similar to previous Council vacan- cies. Councilmember Ihlan further opined that this was a way to follow Council- member Kough's wishes, and an opportunity for the City Council to come to- gether and agree, rather than making a political appointment . Councilmember Roe reiterated individual and corporate Council hopes that Coun- cilmember Kough would be able to serve out his term; and extended the Council's best wishes to Councilmember Kough. However, Councilmember Roe, when faced with the reality of a potential Council vacancy, supported a policy discus- sion on an appointment until the election, with him leaning toward the appoint- ment of someone not intending to run for the vacancy to avoid politicizing the process by appointing incumbency. Councilmember Roe noted that he pledged, when seeking appointment to the former Council vacancy, not to run for the Spe- cial Election, but to serve as a caretaker; and also spoke in support of having the appointment process open to the community by application, noting that there were many good and talented people in the community who may be willing to serve on a temporary basis. Councilmember Roe opined that this would be in keeping with Councilmember Kough's repeated perspective in opening up advisory commis- sion vacancies or appointments. Councilmember Roe expressed his willingness to consider Ms. Schaffer for appointment, but noted that just because someone re- ceived substantial votes, may not be indicative of a broad representation of the community, and would not support making it a policy of the City to appoint the person receiving the most votes and not elected. Councilmember Pust opined that it would be prudent that the Council not use the appointment process prior to the upcoming election to provide someone with an advantage, as it would be unethical to due process. Councilmember Pust con- curred with Councilmember Roe that, if the Council needed to make an appoint- ment prior to the election, that they seek that appointee's pledge that they not run in that election. Councilmember Pust echoed sentiments that Councilmember Kough's health would allow him to serve out his term, and make this a moot point; however, opined that it would disrespect Councilmember Kough's legacy by creating an incumbency, and given the pending election timing, if and when necessary, applicants could be sought to file for ashort-term appointment. Councilmember Ihlan opined that asking people to pledge not to run for an elec- tion would be in violation of their rights; and didn't represent .the democratic process; nor would it be democratic to appoint someone to be a "lame duck" Councilmember, unable to carry out the voice of Councilmember Kough, nor to be accountable to their elective public.