Proposal 3: Authorize City Council to Fill Vacancies if Council President Becomes Mayor Amendment

Amends City Charter to empower the Common Council to temporarily fill the district seat of the Common Council President if that person becomes Acting Mayor.

A “YES” vote will allow the Common Council to temporarily fill the district seat of a Common Council President who becomes Acting Mayor.

A “NO” vote will leave the district seat of a Common Council President who becomes Acting Mayor vacant.

Abstract: When Mayor Byron Brown resigned before the end of his term in 2024 it created a vacancy that would not be filled permanently until the 2025 general election. It was not clear what happens when the Common Council President temporarily assumes the powers and duties of the Mayor if the Mayor leaves office before the end of their term. As the Common Council President is also a district councilmember and a person can’t be both Mayor and Councilmember, the South District was left without a representative for over a year. This Charter amendment would allow the Common Council to fill such a district seat on a temporary basis.