Four contenders are vying to fill the 8th District Superior City Council seat left vacant by the resignation of Craig Sutherland.
Former councilor Mike Herrick and newcomers Edward Gallagher, Randy Gordon and Robert Pierce have all submitted letters of candidacy for the seat, according to city clerk Camila Ramos.
In his letter, Gallagher, a lifelong Superior resident, highlighted his work with volunteer groups in the city, from the Jaycees and Superior Area Medical Emergency Fund to the St. Louis River Experience.
Randy Gordon is a U.S. Air Force veteran who currently works as a sales consultant. He has a degree in communications and small business management from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and graduated from the Superior/Douglas County Leadership program.
"I work well in a team environment and am eager to work towards helping the city grow and retain its business base," Gordon said in his letter.
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Robert Pierce said he has impacted business outcomes through effective organization, prioritization and execution of key projects throughout his career.
"Previously, in my UA Local 11 role, I exercised a calculated and methodical approach to problem solving," Pierce said in his letter. "Because my professional goals align with the city's mission and values, this opportunity is especially exciting."
Herrick served as a city councilor from 2009-2017, representing the 8th District.
"Meeting with those I represented, one-on-one, to discuss their concerns and creating resolutions to solve problems was one of the things I enjoyed most while serving on the council," Herrick said in his letter.
The candidates will have the opportunity to address the council Tuesday, Dec. 7, before councilors consider nominees for the appointment.
The council will nominate and appoint someone, and that person will be sworn in "all in the same meeting," Ramos said.
Sutherland, who has served the 8th District for nearly five years, announced in mid-November that he was stepping down at the end of the month due to family, career and health issues. As a member of the council, he serves on five of the council’s standing and special committees, and is the chairperson for two.
PREVIOUSLY: Superior city councilor resigns to focus on family, career
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Whoever is appointed to the position would hold it until a special election is held in the spring. Contenders would have to fill out a regular candidate packet to be elected to serve out the remainder of Sutherland’s two-year term, which expires in April 2023.
Packets for the spring election, which will include all odd districts — 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 — as well as the 8th District seat, are due Jan. 4, 2022, at 5 p.m.
Candidates can start circulating paperwork. Packets are available online and in the city clerk’s office. Maps showing district boundaries, including any redistricting changes, are also available.
RELATED: Redistricting prompts changes in Superior council districts
