2 apply so far for open Jefferson City Ward 2 council seat

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) 

The Jefferson City Council is set to discuss the vacant Ward 2 council seat on Monday night, after Councilman Aaron Mealy resigned earlier this month.

The city has already started accepting “letters of interest” for the open seat, however city spokeswoman Molly Bryan told ABC 17 News that the city has received just two letters of interest as of Monday afternoon. 

Bryan added the deadline to submit those letters will be discussed during Monday’s council meeting. 

The city on March 4 shared a link on its social media to its website detailing the process. Interested residents should “submit a letter of interest outlining their background and qualifications to the City Clerk at EDonaldson@jeffersoncitymo.gov,” the website says.

A resident can be nominated by any council member and must complete a declaration of candidacy form within four working days after they are nominated, the website says. A public forum would then be conducted, followed by a council vote. The candidate needs to receive a simple majority of the council vote, the website says.

Qualifications include being a US citizen who is at least 21 years old who has lived within city limits for a year, and within the specific ward for six months. The candidate cannot have unpaid taxes, be guilty of defalcation or have been previously removed as a member of the council, the website says.

Mealy was elected in 2023 and still had a year remaining on his term before his abrupt resignation. His replacement will fill the remainder of that term. Mealy announced his resignation in an email to local media on March 2 following the City Council meeting.

“It has been an honor to serve the residents of this community. However, I can no longer in good conscience continue in this role due to ongoing trust, honesty, and accountability issues with city hall administration,” the email says. “Public service requires transparency, accountability, and mutual respect. When those principles are compromised, it becomes impossible to effectively represent the people.”

Check back for updates.