MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council is moving forward with an application and public interview process to fill the Southwest District seat left vacant by the resignation of Council Member Greg Fast.
During Tuesday’s meeting, council members reviewed a proposed timeline that would open applications Wednesday, Oct. 21, and give interested residents until Nov. 18 to apply.
Under the proposed schedule, the council could hold a special meeting Nov. 24 to meet with and interview applicants before making a final appointment Dec. 1. The person selected could be sworn in and take office that night.
Fast resigned from the council effective Oct. 5 for personal reasons.
To be eligible for appointment, applicants must live in the Southwest District and have been a resident of the district for at least six months before the appointment. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens and qualified registered voters in the district. They cannot hold another city office or be employed by the city while serving on the council.
Council members indicated support for conducting public interviews rather than making the appointment based solely on written applications. The council also discussed allowing Southwest District residents to submit potential questions for candidates. Those questions could be reviewed and incorporated into the interview process.
The proposed application asks candidates about their motivation for serving, experience, community involvement and what they believe are the most important issues facing Hutchinson.
Mayor Scott Meggers suggested adding a question specifically asking applicants about priorities within the Southwest District, in addition to issues facing the city as a whole.
Council Member Stacy Goss questioned whether applicants should be asked how many years they have lived in Hutchinson. Goss suggested the application instead simply establish whether candidates meet the required six-month residency requirement. Other council members expressed support for that change.
The city plans to promote the vacancy through its website, social media, community newsletter and local partner organizations. City staff also discussed making information available in Spanish and directing residents to the city’s interactive map to determine whether they live within the Southwest District.
City officials said the application process is intended to give residents nearly 30 days to consider the time commitment involved and decide whether serving on the council is right for them.
In a related matter, the city council elected council member Darrin Truan as vice-mayor.