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Resolution accepting the recommendation of the Government Affairs Committee regarding the District 6 aldermanic vacancy, directing staff to prepare a resolution calling a special election in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 8.50, and initiating the aldermanic selection process
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WHEREAS, Sean Lowe was elected Alderperson for the Sixth Aldermanic District at the April 2026 Spring Election and subsequently resigned from office on April 30, 2026, creating a vacancy in that office; and
WHEREAS, Section 2.04.020 of the Wauwatosa Municipal Code establishes the process for filling aldermanic vacancies and requires the Government Affairs Committee to review the vacancy and recommend whether it should be filled by appointment, by special election, or left vacant until the next regularly scheduled election; and
WHEREAS, the Government Affairs Committee has completed its review and recommends that the vacancy be filled through a special election conducted in conjunction with the 2027 Spring Election cycle; and
WHEREAS, Wis. Stat. § 8.50 establishes the time period during which a governing body may formally call a special election, and that statutory period has not yet commenced; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council also desires to initiate the process of soliciting and reviewing applications from interested residents and appointing an applicant to the vacant position pursuant to Section 2.04.020(F) of the Wauwatosa Municipal Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Wauwatosa that it accepts the recommendation of the Government Affairs Committee that the District 6 aldermanic vacancy be filled by special election.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Common Council directs the City Clerk to prepare and present, at the earliest meeting permitted by Wis. Stat. § 8.50, a resolution formally calling a special election to fill the unexpired term for the Sixth Aldermanic District in accordance with state law.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Common Council directs staff to initiate the application and selection process for interested candidates for appointment to the District 6 aldermanic vacancy, in accordance with Section 2.04.020(F) of the Wauwatosa Municipal Code.
By: Government Affairs Committee
recommendation
Recommendation: Approve 6-0