By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
The alderman’s seat in Ward 6 has been vacant since the resignation of then-Common Council President Vernon Robinson Jr., on July 28.
Robinson served on the council for six years before his resignation more than two months ago.
Some Ward 6 residents are wondering when a successor to Robinson, the first African-American to serve on the council and its first Black president, will be appointed by Mayor Amy B. Sherburne.
“I think I’m close to making a decision,” the mayor said in an interview with the Olean Star on Tuesday.
In the meantime, Sherburne said, “Everyone from Ward 6 should realize that I’m here for them if there are any needs of their ward until I appoint that person.”
She added: “”I think I am getting close to that appointment and you know there will be a further announcement at that time.”
The appointment will be on an upcoming council agenda and the aldermen will vote to confirm the mayoral appointment.
Sherburne said there has not been a lot of interest expressed in the appointment.
“A few people have reached out and said (they) could help if I needed it. But I want someone that wants to be in that seat … who wants to be an alderman that I appoint for the year to fill that obligation. It would be their decision if they want to run again.”
Robinson, who is not affiliated with any political party and ran as a Democrat and independent, said he’s heard rumors about who might be interested in his seat, but that he made no recommendations to the mayor.
He said a former alderman was under consideration, but would have to move to Ward 6 to be eligible for the appointment.
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