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Bringhurst appointed to Miami Town Council; sworn in Monday

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Patricia Sjolin Bringhurst is the newest member of the Miami Town Council, after being appointed by a 3-2 vote earlier this month.

Her term will expire in 2020.

Vice Mayor Sammy Gonzales and Councilmember Michael Black both cast nay votes and Councilman Jose “Angel” Medina had an excused absence during the Oct. 8 regular council meeting.

Miami Town Manager Joseph Heatherly told the council that two weeks prior, Councilmember Ruben Mancha II had stepped down for personal reasons.

The following Monday, Heatherly emailed council to let them know, he said.

A lengthy discussion ensued prior to the 3-2 vote.

Black asked why the town didn’t take applications like it did when Gonzales was appointed.

Black pointed out that a new town council would be “coming on soon, so why not let them make the decision?”

He also suggested appointing “the one who did run but didn’t make it.”

Councilmember Rosemary Castaneda said she was mayor when Gonzales was appointed, and “there was no application.”

Councilmember Susan Hanson said that she too had been appointed to the council, “and there was no application.”

Councilmember-elect Patty Warden, who was in the audience, said the council appointing Mancha’s replacement would “take away ‘we the peoples’ voice.”

Like Black, she suggested that the appointment wait until after the new council is seated.

Warden’s residency is under investigation after she received enough votes to be seated after the primary election in August.

Gonzales asked Miami Town Attorney Susan Goodwin about the legality of Heatherly “appointing one of his own bosses,” as the town manager reports directly to the council.

Goodwin replied that the council’s appointment would fall within State statute; furthermore, there is “no specific Miami policy” on the books to abide by.

“Statute says that the council should fill the vacancy,” she said.

“I was the one who made the recommendation (of Bringhurst),” said Miami Mayor Darryl Dalley. “Joe put the item on the agenda.”

As to making the appointment, Hanson said, “this council’s pretty educated.”

She went on to point out that Bringhurst has lived in Miami for two years and is president of the Miami Business Alliance.

“She’s a fair and honest person,” Hanson said.

Gonzales cast one of two nay votes, saying, “I believe that Patty would do well on the council, but I don’t like the way it was conducted.”

While the council was voting, Warden tried to cast a nay vote from the audience. Dalley told her that voting is reserved for seated council members.

“I am super honored that they even asked me,” Bringhurst told the Silver Belt. “I’m excited about it.”

She is scheduled to be sworn in at the council’s regular meeting, at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22 (after press time), in council chambers, 500 W. Sullivan St.