Oakridge: City council interviews applicants for vacant seat

By GEORGE CUSTER/Editor/The Herald  —  Of the three applicants who applied for the open seat on the Oakridge City Council, only Don Grant and Christina Hollett appeared for the interview.

There were two person who spoke in favor of Ms. Hollett, and one who spoke highly of Mr. Grant, while   public comments  were being taken.

During council comments, Councilor Tarman asked Councilor Bjarnson that, while the applicants appeared in person, why should she  not appear to interview them? Councilor Bjarnson would not answer the question. She did infer that it was not the time to discuss the issue. There were no other council comments.

Mayor Cutchen announced that the candidates would be interviewed in alphabetical order. He instructed the rest of council that each councilor would ask two questions each. If desired, a second round of questions could be asked as well.

Both applicants sat at a desk facing the council members with the Zoom screen to their backs. Both applicants appeared to show some nervousness during questioning. However, the process was effective and efficient.

A vote by the council will be held during the next regular session of City Council Thursday, February 16th at 6pm. The voting will be by closed ballot. Afterwards, the count will be made public.