Sturgis city commissioners have started the process to fill the upcoming second precinct commissioner vacancy, and have set a deadline for applications of April 6. Commissioner Travis Klinger announced his resignation at the March 8 city commission meeting, citing family obligations as the reason for his departure. 

City Clerk Kenneth Rhodes explained the process at the March 23 meeting saying, “Our normal policy says we advertise for that (position), we receive applications, the commission interviews those applicants and then makes that selection later.” Rhodes said he proposed the schedule with the deadline of April 6 so those interested would have time to apply, and the commission would hold interviews before the upcoming April 12 regular meeting. 

The advertisement for the vacancy will be placed on the city website and Facebook page. The job listing will ask applicants to ensure they are a registered voter of the second precinct, and to provide information such as their name, address, and employer. Applicants will also be asked to submit a short essay expressing their reasons for seeking the appointment. 

After interviews are conducted, the selection of the new commissioner would then take place at the upcoming regular meeting scheduled for April 26, with an effective start date of May 1. The selected applicant’s first meeting would be May 10. 

Though it is a short deadline for those wishing to apply, Rhodes said he believes it will be adequate. “I feel the April 6 date is enough time because the media was good enough to get that information out a couple of weeks ago, so I think a lot of people are aware,” he said. “I’ve had some inquiries, and might even have an application already.”

Beca Welty is a staff writer and columnist for Watershed Voice.