Who Should Fill the Vacant Royal Oak City Commission Seat?

The following letter was sent to Royal Oak Patch by Sharlan Douglas, a Royal Oak resident and candidate for Royal Oak City Commission:

Serving with Pat Capello on the planning commission and watching her in action with the city commission, I was always impressed with her diligence and detailed understanding of the issues brought before her. Her resignation leaves a considerable vacuum.

This development raises the question, "Who should replace her?" I am a candidate for city commission and I expect every candidate's first impulse is to say, "Pick me. Pick me!"

But choosing anyone from the current pool of candidates would not serve the best interest of the city. Ms. Capello’s replacement needs to hit the ground running and that, to me, suggests someone with previous experience at the table. I encourage the remaining commissioners to look for someone who has no greater ambition than to serve only until November.

Besides, as a candidate, I know I need to spend the next six months on the doorsteps of our city, talking with voters and preparing myself to be the best commissioner possible come November.

Sharlan Douglas