Fort Madison, IA – There is now a vacancy on the Fort Madison City Council. The panel wants to select its newest member as opposed to letting the public choose a new councilor.
The Fort Madison City Council has agreed to appoint a replacement for First Ward Alderwoman Carrie Fraise.
City Manager Byron Smith says Fraise is stepping down immediately. Smith says Fraise's letter to the council stated that personal and professional commitments will not allow her to fulfill her elected duties.
Smith says the council felt a special election would be too costly. "It was discussed," says Smith, "but it would be several thousand dollars to hold an election. They felt they could get a good candidate without that expense."
Smith says the council will formally call for applications at its Dec. 15 meeting. He says people will be able to present a letter and any other information that could help the council make a decision.
The Fort Madison City Council is expected to make an appointment in January. Residents would be able to call for a special election after that takes place.
Fraise was elected two years ago. There are still two years remaining in her term.
The first ward covers much of eastern Fort Madison, including the historic downtown district.