Now that Elisha French is resigning as Galesburg City Treasurer, the city’s election authority says she agrees with the assessment that, unlike other elected offices, a special election will not be needed for the replacement.
Lisa Watson says state statute specifically says that city treasurer and clerk are elected at the same time as the mayor. And, if a vacancy occurs in either the treasurer or clerk’s offices, the mayor can appoint a replacement with the advice and consent of the city council, and that person can remain until the term expires.
“If a vacancy occurs in the office of city clerk or city treasurer, it shall be filled by the mayor with the advice and consent of the city council. The person so appointed shall hold office for the unexpired term of the officer elected.” — SOURCE: (65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-5), as provided by Lisa Watson
In other words, no special election.
Some questions had arose about the replacement process, since – for example – a member of the Knox County Board recently resigned, and someone can only fill in until a special election can be called.
