Laurel council adopts resolution to solicit applicants, sets June 18 interviews for mayoral vacancy

The Laurel City Council on June 7 approved Resolution R26-26, establishing a process to fill the city’s mayoral vacancy, setting a June 15 deadline for letters of interest and scheduling a special meeting for candidate introductions and interviews on June 18. The measure passed by a voice tally of seven in favor and one opposed.

The resolution, read into the record by Council President Canopy, requires applicants to submit letters to the city clerk by 4:00 p.m. on June 15 and directs staff to publish a packet of applicants by 5:00 p.m. that day. "Letters of interest are due to the city clerk by 4 p.m. on the 15th," Britney said, adding that the June 18 meeting will allow council members to ask questions, nominate candidates and then vote by voice roll call.

Why it matters: The appointment fills a leadership gap and will shape city operations through the remainder of the term. Several public commenters urged the council to prioritize professionalism, impartiality and communication skills in selecting the next mayor.

Public comment and community concerns

Kelly Goslo, who identified herself as a city employee speaking as a resident, asked the council to choose "what is truly in the best interest of the city, not politics, popularity, pressure, or any particular group," and urged selection of a leader who can "rebuild trust, improve communication, encourage professionalism, and bring people together." She read a prepared letter outlining expectations that candidates separate prior advocacy from mayoral duties and demonstrate impartiality.

JW Hopper, who identified himself as the fire chief for the city of Laurel, told the council that the process should be an interview and that candidates must have strong communication skills and availability. "When we're called to duty, we are expected to respond... when I need an answer, I expect the person that's in that position to answer," Hopper said, urging the council to consider bringing in candidates from outside the council if a fresh perspective is advisable.

Michelle Patrick, who also identified herself as a city employee speaking as a citizen, offered a short list of desired traits — "honesty, integrity, the courage, and resiliency" — and cautioned the council to consider potential conflicts if a candidate has been involved in litigation or has publicly attacked staff.

Council discussion and procedural decisions

Council members debated how to structure candidate interviews. Council Member Naylor proposed asking each candidate the same set of questions for fairness; several members supported standardizing the process. Council Member McCay and others discussed logistical options — limited time per candidate, whether candidates should be interviewed separately to avoid cross‑pollination of answers, and whether each council member should be permitted one question.

Britney clarified the timeline and voting process: following the June 15 application deadline, the packet of applicants would be released publicly and to council by 5:00 p.m., the June 18 meeting would allow introductions and questions, nominations would be made to create a pool of candidates, and the council would then vote by voice roll call; an appointment requires five affirmative votes.

Vice President Closy offered to preside if the council president were a candidate and pressed the council to finish the appointment process by June 21 at 4:00 p.m., urging speed while following the rules.

Vote and next steps

The council voted to approve Resolution R26-26; the motion passed by a voice tally of seven in favor and one opposed. Key deadlines in the resolution and in staff guidance: letters of interest due 4:00 p.m. June 15; applicant packet released by 5:00 p.m. June 15; special council meeting for candidate introductions and interviews on June 18 at 6:30 p.m.; appointment requires five affirmative votes following nomination and roll call voting.

The council adjourned at the close of the meeting. The June 18 special meeting will be the next procedural step to interview applicants and conduct nominations and voting.