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SCHENECTADY
New councilman steps into offi ce, controversy
Some residents urge appointment be postponed
BY KATHLEEN MOORE Gazette Reporter

    The newest city council member ignited a brief controversy Monday night, when he was sworn in before the public got a chance to comment on his appointment.
    Carl Erikson, a Goose Hill resident, is replacing Mark Blanchfi eld on the City Council. Blanchfi eld was appointed a City Court judge last month and returned to the chambers Monday to swear in his replacement.
    Erikson, a Democrat, must run for office this fall. But given the lack of Republican candidates at previous elections, and the overwhelming margin of registered Democratic voters in the city, he is widely expected to win.
    So residents objected to the secretive way in which the Democratic Committee chose him, saying that under such circumstances the choice should be as transparent as an election campaign.
    “There is no rush to fill the Council vacancy,” said Mary McClaine, who has sought the Democratic endorsement in the past. “Postpone the appointment until everyone who is interested in the position is given an opportunity to submit a resume and be properly interviewed by the city Democrats.” .................>>>>...................>>>>.........http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....r00902&AppName=1

There was no rush to fill this vacancy. Whether the rubber stamp all DEM City Council is 6-0 or 7-0 who cares? If they were truly concerned about the oppressed taxpayers they could have left this vacant until after the November election.  BTW, who have the imploded REPS selected as his opponent?

are you kidding? They don't listen to anyone since the voting pubic has given them that kind of mandate. Good liberals all know that one party government works best!