Council looking for new member

Staff report
Wanted: Somebody to occupy a seat on the city council for the next four and a half months.

Must reside in Jefferson’s Second Ward.

Must like dogs.

The Jefferson city council Tuesday night decided to appoint someone to the open seat left by the resignation of Dan Benitz rather than hold a special election.

The council should be able to appoint that person at the next meeting on June 27, city clerk Diane Kennedy said.

The new council member will serve until the next election in November.

Despite the city recently opting to make all council seats at-large, Benitz’s replacement needs to be from the city’s Second Ward.

Those interested in filling the seat should submit their name for consideration to Kennedy at City Hall.

One former candidate, Matt Wetrich, will be doing exactly that.

Wetrich confirmed to The Jefferson Herald on Wednesday he will be in the running.

Elected in November, Benitz abruptly left the council May 18 in the midst of heated discourse about the need for a new animal shelter and a dog park in Jefferson.