Runner-up in mayoral election to fill seat
Former Councilwoman Rarey appointed to take over vacant post
RRdNTWOOc >> The Brentwood City Council has voted unanimously to fill a vacant council seat with the runner-up in the city’s mayoral election in November.
Former Councilwoman Karen Rarey will fill a seat left open by Mayor- elect Joel Bryant, who edged Rarey by less than 2 percentage points in the race. Rarey likely will be sworn in at the council’s next meeting.
The council’s 4- 0 vote Tuesday followed hundreds of comments by residents at a pair of meetings this month supporting Rarey’s appointment.
Rarey served one term on the council before running for mayor this year in a campaign that promised economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and support for local police.
“I am overwhelmed by the support of the residents who sent in emails in support of me and spoke out during public comments,” Rarey said in an interview. “I look forward to getting back on the dais and doing the work of the people.”
Normally, the seat would not have been up for election until 2022. The vacancy left the four remaining council members to decide whether to appoint Rarey to the seat, hold a special election in May or open the position to any residents interested in applying.
At a previous meeting and again Tuesday, the council was split over whether appointing
Rarey would deny representation on the council to parts of Brentwood other than the city’s western edge, where Rarey and three other council members live.
Bryant and Councilman Johnny Rodriguez, who will serve as vice mayor, were hesitant to approve the appointment, while council members Jovita Mendoza and Susannah Meyer cited Rarey’s qualifications in supporting the pick.
Rarey said Wednesday she was “surprised” that Br yant and Rodrig uez flipped to vote for her selection.
“We’re not always going to agree,” Rarey said. “That’s why the public put us up there, so we can support the public the way that we hear from our constituents.”