The Radford City Council is looking for input on who will serve an interim role on the council until next
year’s election.
The vacancy occurred when Onassis Burress stepped down from his role as a council member because he
moved out of the area, leaving three years remaining in his term. When a vacancy on the council occurs,
the remaining four members appoint an interim replacement to serve until a special election takes place.
In this case, the special election will be held in conjunction with the next city council election scheduled
for Nov. 8, 2022.
In the past, council members have often asked a recently serving former member of the council to serve
an interim role.
“The reasons for this are numerous, including the individual has extensive service to the citizens of the
City of Radford, has familiarity with the process, activities, and operation of the city council and with the
issues facing the current city council, and has placed his or her name before the public at large and has
been elected to office at some point. And the individual can begin service quickly, serving effectively
with experience,” according to information released by the city.
“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.
“Ultimately, the remaining members of the Radford City Council will nominate a candidate or candidates
for the role and vote to appoint an individual to serve,” the statement reads.
The city council is required to appoint an interim member within 30 days following the vacancy. To
nominate an individual or yourself, email a statement of interest to City Clerk, Jenni Goodman at
Jenni.Goodman@radfordva.gov by Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, at 5 p.m.
The following information should be included in the statement of interest: Name of the Individual, any
qualifications for service, and contact information including email address, mailing address, and phone
number.
Any person qualified to vote in the city is eligible to be a member of the city council.
— Heather Bell
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