Valley Grande City Council members once again discussed the reappointment process that began in early May to fill the vacant council seat left behind by the death of Marie Middlebrooks.

Valley Grande Mayor Tom Lee said the process is going well and he wants the council to be on the same page about the candidate they choose.

“Our obligation is to do this and do it right,” Lee said. “I don’t want a private meeting with candidates, it should be open. It’s important to know a person’s concept and vision for the city and that should determine our vote.”

State law authorizes the council to fill in the vacancy by majority vote of the remaining members on the council within 60 days of the declared vacancy. All those interested in applying for the opened position must submit a letter of intent with outline of qualifications for consideration to the Valley Grande city clerk. Qualified candidates must be a qualified elector in the city of Valley Grande and a resident of the city three months prior to appointment.

Qualified candidates must turn in their information by May 31 at 5 p.m.

The appointment will be made by a minimum of three votes from the council before July 1.  In the event a vacancy is not filled within 60 days, each existing member of the council, including the mayor, can submit a name to the governor for appointment. If the governor fails to appoint someone from the submitted names within 90 days after the vacancy, the judge probate shall call a special, citywide election to fill the vacancy.

Interested applicants must send their information to the city clerk at City of Valley Grande, 5914 Alabama Hwy 22 N, Valley Grande. For more information call 872-0104.