Vacant El Mirage council seat draws interest

Two El Mirage residents have filed papers to fill the vacant council seat left open by former Mayor Fred Waterman, who resigned last month.

El Mirage Planning and Zoning Commissioner Bill Morrison and former council candidate Jim McPhetres applied for the vacancy. The open seat was a result of Vice Mayor Michele Kern ascending to the mayor’s position after the resignation of Waterman.

Other residents who are interested have until Friday to apply for the seat. Submit a complete and signed application, including any supporting and supplemental material, for consideration.

The chosen candidate will finish the term through December 2010. In addition, the person named to fill the spot must run in the August primary election to continue on the council.

Applications are available at the El Mirage City Clerk’s Office, 12145 N.W. Grand Ave., Suite 1.

In 2008, McPhetres, an eight-year El Mirage resident, ran for council but was defeated by newly appointed Vice Mayor David Shapera.

Applicants are expected to be interviewed in front of the council at 6 p.m. Nov. 12 during the regular meeting.

Waterman resigned in September after he spoke out publicly several times about Luke Air Force Base and the city’s stance on the F-35s. Luke is one of two sites being considered by the Department of Defense as the home for the new F-35 Lighting II.