By By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP – Managing Editor
A new member was sworn in as a replacement on the East Brewton City Council Monday filling a vacancy left by former councilmember Elaine Parker.
Kenny Hultz, who ran for the East Brewton District 2 council seat against Parker in 2000, was approved to fill the vacancy and took his seat on the council for the remainder of the meeting.
Councilman Byron Palmer made the initial recommendation to appoint Hultz and it was seconded by Bettie Jordan. Palmer, Jordan and Huey Johnson each voted to approve the recommendation while councilman Dewayne King and Mayor Terry Clark abstained from the vote.
According to Clark, various councilmembers were approached by "five or six" individuals who were interested in the seat. The city did not produce an official list of those who expressed interest.
Clark opened the meeting by asking if anyone had a recommendation to fill the vacant seat. At that time, Palmer made his recommendation and the council voted to approve Hultz. With the vote, the seat was no longer vacant and no other candidates were discussed.
Clark said he felt that the council made a proper appointment for the seat.
Hultz said he plans to run as a candidate for the District 2 seat in the 2004 East Brewton election.
The seat was left vacant when Parker's family recently relocated to Florida.