Applications are now open for the vacant Place 3 seat on Richardson City Council after council member Dan Barrios announced his resignation on July 13 in order to focus on his campaign for U.S. Congress.
Applications opened July 22 and will close Aug. 7. Council will interview applicants and appoint Barrios’ replacement over a roughly nine-week process.
The overview
Richardson’s city charter states that a single vacancy on the council must be filled by appointment, decided by a majority vote by the remaining members of council. Although Barrios will remain in his position until his successor is appointed, he will not participate in voting for his replacement.
The appointed council member will serve out the remainder of Barrios’ term, which lasts until the May 2027 election. In May, residents will vote for the Place 3 seat.
What you need to know
The new council member must be a qualified voter, a resident of Richardson for at least one year prior to the appointment and at least 21 years old.
Barrios held the Place 3 seat on council, representing Richardson’s District 3, which spans most of the west side of the city. His replacement must also be a resident of Richardson’s District 3 for at least one year prior to assuming office.
Council discussed and approved an appointment process for council vacancies in the spring. Mayor Amir Omar highlighted the importance of a transparent process with ample time for residents to offer public input.
City Manager Don Magner presented the timeline for the appointment process, which he said could be subject to change based on the number of applications received:
- July 22-Aug. 7: Applications open
- Aug. 11: Applications posted in council agenda
- Aug. 17: Council will select applicants to be interviewed in open session
- Aug. 24: Initial applicants interviewed in open session; deliberations may take place in closed executive session
- Sept. 14: Council will announce maximum of three finalists
- Sept. 21: Council will interview finalists in open session and announce lone finalist; deliberations may take place in closed executive session
- Sept. 28: Council will vote on appointment; oath will be administered
