Buchanan seeking applicants for mayor vacancy

BUCHANAN — Buchanan city officials have posted the process they will follow in filling the vacancy left by Mayor Sean Denison’s resignation earlier this week.

City Clerk Kalla Langston said that the City Commission is now accepting applications for the remainder of Denison’s term. Whoever is appointed will serve the remainder of his commissioner term through December, 2026.

Denison resigned Monday after serving on the commission since 2018. As he has done for several months, he continued to speak out against what he called the “lies and rumors” posted about him on social media. He said he resigned to focus on his health and his family and to enjoy life.

His resignation ended the recall election set for November. People filed recall language against him for his actions in suspending then City Manager Benjamin Eldridge last November without commission action. The recall election was certified in May and former City Commissioner Scott King had filed to run against him this November.

Those interested in applying to fill the vacancy can complete the application form available at the Buchanan City Hall or online on the city’s website, www.cityofbuchanan.com . Applications should be returned by Friday, Aug. 30 at 4 p.m. Applicants must be city residents, registered voters and 18 or older.

Langston said that the city commission is expected to formally accept Denison’s resignation at their Aug. 26 meeting. Denison’s resignation was effective immediately after Monday’s meeting and commissioners have 30 days to replace him.

She said if any of the candidates running for two open seats in November is appointed to the commission to fill the Denison vacancy and then wins one of the four-year terms, they would have to choose whether they want to stay with the two-year term or accept the four-year term.

The seats now held by Larry Money and Patrick Swem are up this November. Those running are Money, Swem, Lorilie Holmes, Tony Houser and Angela Lowery.

The application form asks seven background questions such as whether they are a city resident for two or more years, registered to vote, been convicted of a felony and are delinquent on property taxes or utility bills.

Applicants are then asked to say why they are interested in becoming a city commissioner, to list community service and boards they’ve served on, why their personality would make them a good fit to serve on the commission, qualities they possess that show they are capable of leading a team and their philosophy on the role of local government.

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