A mayor appointed, then special election called. So what happens now?

On Tuesday, Feb. 28, Terry Donahue was appointed by the city council to fill the vacated mayor’s term.

On Wednesday, March 1, a petition was submitted to the city clerk, which will require a special election for the remainder of the mayor’s term once 26 valid signatures are confirmed. The special election has not yet been scheduled, but must be held at the earliest practicable date.

Donahue will serve as mayor until the special election vote is officially canvased. The winner of the special election will serve a term that ends on Dec. 31, 2017

At the same time, because Donahue’s appointment as mayor meant he resigned his city council seat, there is an open city council seat. That seat’s term ends on Dec. 31, 2019. The city council has 60 days to make an appointment or call for a special election, or a petition could require a special election for this seat as well. Such a petition would require 70 signatures could be submitted up to 14 days after an appointment.