STEVENSVILLE — There's no lack of interest for people willing to fill an unusual number of vacancies on the Stevensville Town Council, with nine candidates applying for appointment to three positions.
The council is going through a highly unusual turnover, ever for a community that's seen its share of political turmoil in recent years. The on-going conflict between the council and Mayor Brandon Dewey finally erupted last month, with council members Bob Michalson, Stacie Barker and Jim Crews resigning. Crews, the former mayor, had only been appointed a couple of weeks before.
That left only Councilwoman Robin Holcomb, creating an awkward meeting where she and Dewey had to work their way through all the town's business. That includes filling the vacancies, with Holcomb saying she'll interview the candidates and make the appointments Thursday night…
For the single seat in Ward 1, Sarah Armijo, Gigi DonDiego, Steve Gibson, Jamie Williams and Mason Buchanan are stepping forward to fill Barker's seat. Only Williams had already been running for the job in this fall's elections.
For the two Ward 2 seats vacated by Michalson and Crews, Dempsey Vick, Trenis Hindle, Jerid Huggans, and Patrick Shourd have all applied. Vick was the only one already on the ballot.
But there is a wrinkle that remains to be resolved. Barker, Michalson and Crews are still on the November ballot and have yet to withdraw. The deadline to do that is Au. 12.
