Council makes vacancy pick despite reservations

     The Buffalo Center City Council voted last week to appoint Nich Holland to fill the vacant seat on the council, despite concerns about how the appointment process was handled.

     The seat has been vacant since April, following the death of Councilman Les Wubben. Mayor Troy Armstrong said he had hoped they could wait until this November’s general election to fill the vacancy, but he was advised by City Attorney Don Hemphill that the position needed to be filled either by appointment or by special election.

     The council held a special meeting last Monday, July 24, to discuss the issue, and Mayor Armstrong said Holland was willing to serve. Councilwoman Deb Wirth said she had no objection to Holland, but she was upset that there had been no discussion about the matter by the council. She said two people had come to her saying they would be interested in serving, and she was waiting for the item to be on the agenda. Wirth said there was a problem with transparency, and the decision on who to appoint seemed to be made by one or two people. She also said she thought the appointment should have been made immediately after Councilman Wubben passed away.

     Councilman Pete Paulson said he didn’t want to spend tax dollars to hold a special election, and he made a motion to appoint Holland to the council. Councilman Jensvold seconded, and after some deliberation, Wirth voted yes to pass the motion. Councilman West voted no.

     See full story in this week's Tribune.