Radford City Council has been tasked with filling a vacancy, which occurred when Forrest Hite stepped down from his role as a Member of Council. Mr. Hite left approximately two years remaining in his term. As per the City Charter, the remaining members of Council and the Mayor will appoint an interim replacement to serve until a special election will take place in conjunction with the next City Council election; this is scheduled for November 8, 2022. The interim appointee will serve until a citizen has both been elected and qualifies to serve. Historically, when a vacancy has occurred, City Council members and the Mayor have asked a recently serving former member of Council to serve an interim role. The reasons for this are numerous including:
the individual has extensive service to the Citizens of the City of Radford,
the individual has familiarity with the process, activities, and operation of City Council,
the individual has familiarity with the issues at hand facing the current City Council,
the individual has placed their name before the public at large and has been elected to office at some point,
the individual has engaged with the public through the execution of their duties,
the individual has worked with their employer and through other commitments to be able to serve, and due to all these factors, the individual can begin service quickly, serving effectively with experience.
The current City Council respects the historic process, but also wishes to engage with the citizens of the City of Radford to help inform the members’ appointment process. As such, City
Council is requesting a statement of interest from citizens to aid their efforts. This communication can include qualities desired for the interim appointee, nominations of self or other individuals for consideration to serve in the role on an interim basis, as well as any general support for Council members to consider as they work toward their appointment within the thirty days following the vacancy of the position.
Ultimately, the remaining members of Radford City Council will nominate a candidate or candidates for the role and vote to appoint an individual to serve. Your assistance is appreciated. To nominate an individual or yourself, email a statement of interest to the City Clerk, Jenni
Goodman at Jenni.Goodman@radfordva.gov by July 22, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
Include the following in the statement of interest:
1-Name of the Individual
2-Any qualifications for service
3-Contact information including:
a. Email Address
b. Mailing Address
c. Phone Number
It is important to note that to serve as a City Council member per the City Charter section § 2.3.
Qualification of members. Any person qualified to vote in the city shall be eligible to the office of mayor or councilman. To ensure this process runs smoothly, only nominate individuals or oneself if qualified to vote in the City of Radford.
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