Council Officially Announces Intention To Leave Zusy's Seat Vacant

Village Council officially announced today its intention to keep a council seat vacant and declined its option to name a temporary replacement.

In a statement released Friday, Village Clerk Heather Mailander confirmed the decision to leave late Councilwoman Anne Zusy's position unfilled.

The council will remain at four members until an election is held in November.

"I believe that any representative should be elected by the residents. One vote counts as much as the others, and it's the democratic way," Deputy Mayor Keith Killion said, explaining council's decision.

Last week, Councilman Paul Aronsohn discussed the decision and said one of the four council members—either himself, Killion, outgoing Mayor David Pfund or outgoing Councilman Patrick Mancuso—opposed it.

Mailander said village residents interested in running must file petitions with the clerk's office by September 2010. Voters will chose Zusy's replacement during the Nov. 2 general election.

That person will immediately take office and finish Zusy's term, scheduled to end June 30, 2012.

Zusy, elected in 2008 with Killion and Aronsohn, died June 3 from lung cancer. Pfund announced plans last week to honor Zusy by dedicating the Village Hall Community Center in her name.

Council-members elect Bernadette Walsh and Tom Riche will join Aronsohn and Killion on council starting July 1.

Compiled by Sam Fran Scavuzzo