Replacement Councilman to Be Discussed Tonight

By Cape Charles Wave Staff

July 3, 2012

The first meeting of the newly elected Cape Charles Town Council is tonight, and the first item of business is to discuss filling a council vacancy.

Donald Clarke was elected to Town Council on May 1, but he passed away June 13 before taking office.

The other two members elected to Council May 1 are Thomas Godwin and Frank Wendell, who will assume their positions on Council beginning with tonight’s meeting.

No action will be taken tonight, because the meeting is a work session for discussion only. Council will vote July 12 on an interim replacement for Clarke.

The interim replacement would serve until a candidate is chosen by special election. It is not yet known when a special election might be held. Unless a special election occurs at the same time as a regularly scheduled election, the town is required to pay all expenses associated with it.

Meanwhile, whoever receives a majority vote by Town Council July 12 will be appointed. The only requirement for an appointee is that he or she be a qualified voter in the electoral district.