3 seek temporary seat on city council
Possible replacements are coming forward to fill a vacancy on Butler City Council.
Last week, Councilman Corey Roche announced his resignation, effective Saturday, according to the city clerk's office.
As of Thursday, city council members confirmed that three residents have submitted their names to be considered for appointment to the open spot. Roche's term expires at the end of the year.
According to state law, the council must pick a replacement within 30 days of Saturday. The council is scheduled to hold two meetings in September.
Mayor Ben Smith said he's not sure when a decision will be made, but he believes it's possible to get the vote cast at one of the September meetings.
In the meantime, the council is informally taking nominations from the public. The officials are free to appoint whomever a majority of the remaining members see fit, but they want to see who is interested.
So far, Tom Donaldson, Kathy Kline and Denny Offstein have applied.
Smith noted he has heard of others in the community who are interested but haven't yet decided.Donaldson is a former mayor of Butler who in his 2017 re-election bid lost the Republican primary to Smith.He said he didn't want to leave city government when he did and wants to continue contributing.“The city has always come first to me,” Donaldson said.Donaldson has been a vocal critic of current city leadership, but said it wouldn't be an issue if appointed.“Any differences I had with anybody in the past, that's in the past,” he said.Kline, a former councilwoman, said she put her name forward in hopes that she could offer a smooth transition through January.“I could slide right back into the role,” Kline said. “I think it's only fair to our residents that it's filled by someone with qualifications.”She said she misses serving the city.“My heart is with my community,” Kline said.
Offstein would be the only newcomer to the council. Offstein is a frequent organizer of volunteer efforts and community improvement projects.“I've been behind the scenes since 1972, working with mayors and city councils,” Offstein said.Offstein said he would consider running as a write-in candidate if he liked the job, but that he would at least be an active member in the meantime.“I think I could liven the place up for a few months, and then they can throw me out,” Offstein said.The candidate selected by the council will serve through the November election to January, when a new council will take office.This is an appointment process, not a public vote.Voters' decisions in November will fill two seats on the council, including Roche's.Two Republicans, incumbent Michael Walter and Travis Uhl, and Democrat Bob Dandoy will appear on the ballot.
