Council fills vacancy by lot, swears in Claudia Demerest

The Ishpeming City Council selected Claudia Demerest to fill a short-term council vacancy by random lot after the council split 2–2 in formal ballots and swore her into the seat during the same meeting.

Amy Lurley, a resident and commercial property owner, urged the council during public comment to appoint Demerest, saying she "knows this document better than anyone" and is up to speed on the city’s pending work. Council members nominated candidates and, after debate about charter timing that allows a selection by lot within three regular meetings, the council proceeded with the draw. The clerk swore the selected candidate into office immediately.

The choice resolved a temporary deadlock that would otherwise have allowed the council up to three regular meetings (about 90 days) to fill the seat, the council noted when discussing the charter provision. Several council members cautioned against campaigning by sitting members while the selection process was underway.

Claudia Demerest introduced herself to the council and described long-term local civic involvement, including prior elected service and membership on multiple boards. She told the council she is focused on using limited city resources efficiently, maintaining infrastructure and addressing blight.

The council did not take additional policy action tied to the appointment at the meeting. The selection follows the city’s charter procedure for resolving tied ballots and the sworn appointee will serve until the next applicable election or as required by charter and state rules.