Ironton Council members went into executive session at Thursday’s council meeting to discuss filling the vacancy left by Hugh Scott, who resigned from council Monday.

Friday, March 23, 2001

Ironton Council members went into executive session at Thursday’s council meeting to discuss filling the vacancy left by Hugh Scott, who resigned from council Monday.

Councilman Jesse Roberts said he feels the top priority in selecting a new council member should be finding someone who is willing to run for the spot in November.

"It kind of sounds like ‘home cooking’ if we just put someone on council for a temporary basis," Roberts said.

He also said the individual should be knowledgeable in budgeting and finance and a good-standing member of the community.

Roberts said the selection process is a "fair system." He said each council member has input into the selection of the replacement council member.

Roberts added that he would like to see people interested in the position contact council members and express their interest.

"If someone is considering running for the position in the fall, they should call a council member now and let them know they are interested in the position," Roberts added.

Ironton business owner Bob Clyse said he would like to see council appoint someone who has a "business background – maybe management experience – but doesn’t have a vested interest." He suggested council look for someone who may have owned or managed a business in the past but is now retired.

Under city charter, council has 30 days to appoint someone to council before the appointment becomes the responsibility of the mayor.

Council will meet April 5 at 8 p.m. to discuss the issue again. Council chair Jim Tordiff said there will "most likely be an appointment at that time."