City of Nederland looks to upgrade in ‘08 (PANEWS)

Read the story here

Interesting quote:

The year 2007 also caused some anger among election candidates when Ward 1 councilman Tim Sheffield resigned just two months into his second term. Former longtime councilman Robert Sawyer was appointed to the position, but only after several candidates expressed concerns that the city council planned the resignation and replacement to keep others off the council.

“Sawyer had been there before for a number of years and was the most qualified,” Wimer said of naming Sawyer to the open position. (PANEWS)

My Comments:
The most qualified person? What actually qualifies someone to be appointed to a city council seat? Attending city council meetings? EDC meetings? If the answer to those questions are "yes". Then I'm also a qualified person for the job.

Further more, do I believe some on the council knew about the planned resignation? Sure I do. It was no secret whatsoever.

Do I believe the replacement was chosen to keep others (myself and Mr. Dykes) off the council? Hell yes I believe that.

By the way, the only reason Mr. Sawyer was appointed to the Ward One seat is because his letter that he turned into the council stated he wouldn't seek re election.

..."Mayor Pro Tem Rogers explained the process to appoint someone to fill the unexpired term for a vacant council position. The City's Home Rule Charter requires that the remaining members of the Council appoint someone from the vacant Ward I position. The City received a letter of interest from five citizens in Ward I - John Bernard, Mark Byars, Darrin Dykes, Jeff Ortize, and Robert Sawyer. He nominated Robert Sawyer to fill the unexpired term for the Council Ward I position. Mayor Pro Tem Rogers stated that Mr. Sawyer has 29 years experience with the City, having served on various boards and commissions, as well as representing Ward I on the Council for many years. Mr. Sawyer has indicated that he will not seek re-election at the next election. Mayor Pro Tem Rogers also stated that due to his not running in the next election and incumbent would not have an advantage over anyone desiring to seek this seat."