The vacant position left by Shenandoah Mayor John Escoto on the city council has been filled by Jim Pollard during a June 22 meeting in a 3-1 vote.
The city council opted to appoint an applicant rather than hold a special election in November following a June 8 meeting. At the time, the special election would have cost the city around $15,000.
Pollard has served on the city’s planning and zoning committee for 4 1/2 years and comes from a media background, including Community Impact Newspaper.
“I represent everybody in Shenandoah, and that is my pledge to the residents here, ” Pollard said. “I think I have been in the community long enough and I know so many people ... I believe I can pull them together and make a major impact on the city.”
Pollard added his background has taught him to keep an open mind and he will bring those skills to the city council.
City council member Michael McLeod said there were 16 applicants for the position, and council member Ted Fletcher said he believes Pollard will be a good fit for the position due to his experience on the city’s planning and zoning committee.
Council member Charlie Bradt voted against the appointment, noting all of the candidates were strong, though he wanted more time for a formal interview.
Escoto said the appointment was necessary so the city council could have all five members going into the upcoming budget planning meetings.
Pollard will be formally recognized on the council at the July 13 city council meeting. Pollard’s position on the planning and zoning committee will now need to be filled.
