By JAYMIE DEPEW

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — The Marquette City Commission will likely elect a new mayor Monday night at its regular meeting, filling the position that was left vacant Dec. 26 after the sudden passing of Mayor Tom Baldini, who was chosen for the seat in November.

Under the provisions of the city charter, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Campana has taken the responsibility as mayor until the election.

City Manager Mike Angeli said if Campana were to be elected mayor at Monday’s meeting, another election would follow to fill the mayor pro tem position.

With Baldini’s death, that means a city commission vacancy was also created. According to the city charter, the board has 60 days to fill the vacancy via appointment.

“At the meeting, the city attorney and staff will be asking the commission to adopt a procedure similar to the procedure used at the last election,” Angeli said. “If the vacancy isn’t filled in 60 days, the commission would have to hold a special election, which are only allowed certain times of the year and can be costly.”

Before Commissioner Jenna Smith was appointed in December, applications were made available both online at the city’s website and in person at the City Clerk’s Office, and a time frame was established for interested parties to return completed applications. Following the deadline, completed applications and related materials were disseminated to the board for review.

At a subsequent meeting, the board then provided applicants an opportunity to speak for three minutes each. When they finished speaking, the commission voted on their choice. The first person to receive the majority of votes, which was four or more, was appointed to the unexpired commission term.

Applications for the commissioner seat will be accepted from Jan. 26 to Feb. 12., the meeting’s agenda documents state.

According to the city charter, a candidate to fill a vacancy on the commission must have been a qualified and registered elector of the city for at least one year immediately prior to filing for election.

Jaymie Depew can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. Her email address is jdepew@miningjournal.net.