By Heather Bell
RADFORD – The resignation of former Radford City Council Member Forrest Hite has left an open seat on the city council, and the remaining members are in search of a candidate to fill the vacancy.
The council has been tasked with filling a vacancy, which occurred when Hite stepped down from his role as a council member in June, leaving approximately two years remaining in his term. Hite resigned to move out of the area.
The city charter requires the remaining members of the council and the mayor to appoint an interim replacement to serve until a special election will take place in conjunction with the next city council election, scheduled for Nov. 8, 2022.
“Historically, when a vacancy has occurred, city council members and the mayor have asked a
recently-serving former member of the council to serve an interim role,” according to a statement from the CIty of Radford. “The reasons for this are numerous including the individual has extensive service to the Citizens of the City of Radford; the individual has familiarity with the process, activities, and operation of the City Council; the individual has familiarity with the issues at hand facing the current City Council; the individual has placed his or her name before the public at large and has been elected to office at some point; the individual has engaged with the public through the execution of their duties; the individual has worked with their employer and through other commitments to be able to serve; and due to all these factors, the individual can begin service quickly, serving effectively with experience.”
The City Council may go this route, but is also opening up the vacancy to Radford citizens at-large.
“The current City Council respects the historic process, but also wishes to engage with the
citizens of the City of Radford to help inform the members’ appointment process,” the statement reads. “As such, the City Council is requesting a statement of interest from citizens to aid their efforts. This communication can include qualities desired for the interim appointee, nominations of self or other individuals for consideration to serve in the role on an interim basis, as well as any general support for council members to consider as they work toward their appointment within the 30 days following the vacancy of the position.
“Ultimately, the remaining members of Radford City Council will nominate a candidate or
candidates for the role and vote to appoint an individual to serve,” the statement concludes. “Your assistance is appreciated.”
To nominate an individual or yourself, email a statement of interest to the City Clerk, Jenni
Goodman at Jenni.Goodman@radfordva.gov by July 22, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Include the following in the statement of interest:
Name of the Individual
Any qualifications for service
Contact information including:
Email Address
Mailing Address
Phone Number
In order to serve as a City Council member per the city charter section § 2.3.,“Any person qualified to vote in the city shall be eligible to the office of mayor or councilman.” City leaders ask the public to nominate only individuals or one’s self if qualified to vote in the City of Radford to ensure the process runs smoothly.
