St. Charles Fifth Ward residents want say on alderman

A band of residents in former St. Charles Alderman David Richards' Fifth Ward told Mayor Don DeWitte this week they'd rather have no representation on the city council than have the mayor appoint Richards' replacement.

Richards resigned late Sunday night in the wake of accepting a plea deal on a disorderly conduct charge last week. On Monday, Fifth Ward residents represented by Kim Malay told DeWitte they want the seat to remain vacant until the April 2011 election so voters can pick a candidate rather than DeWitte appointing someone.

But state law indicates Richards' resignation automatically triggered a 60-day window for DeWitte to appoint a replacement. That appointment is mandated by the law and must be approved by the remaining members of the city council.

“Mayor, will you take into strong consideration what the people want if the people tell you who they want to fill that seat?” Malay then asked.

DeWitte said he'll take into consideration every candidate who applies for the appointment. DeWitte will accept letters of interest and resumes from candidates until the end of business on Dec. 1 Although he technically has 60 days from Nov. 14 to choose someone, DeWitte indicated he'd make up his mind shortly after his Dec. 1 deadline for applications.

Malay encouraged a quick resolution so whomever is appointed has a legitimate chance to go out and collect the petition signatures necessary to run for the office in April. Ed Bessner, the other Fifth Ward alderman, said the number of signatures required is about 109. If DeWitte makes the appointment shortly after Dec. 1, that would leave the appointee about three weeks, until Dec. 20, to collect the necessary petition signatures to get on the April ballot.