(Posted Nov. 11, 2015)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The process is now set for replacing Katie Hensel, who recently announced her resignation as London city auditor.
Hensel’s resignation becomes effective Nov. 27. Her current four-year term runs out on Dec. 31. On Nov. 3, she was elected to a second four-year term, which starts Jan. 1. She is unable to complete either term due to accepting another job.
Zahid Siddiqi, the city’s law director, and Stephen Pronai, Madison County prosecutor, worked together to determine the correct procedure for filling the vacancy.
Because Hensel ran as an Independent for her current term, law dictates that the mayor, David Eades, appoint a replacement to finish the term. That person will serve from Nov. 27 through Dec. 31 of this year, said Tim Ward, director of the Madison County Board of Elections.
Meanwhile, the Board of Elections will meet on Nov. 24 to certify the results of the Nov. 3 election. Once they officially confirm that Hensel was elected to a second term, they and Siddiqi will request a formal letter of resignation for the second term from Hensel.
Because Hensel ran as a Republican for the new term, law dictates that the five London representatives of the Madison County Republican Central Committee appoint a replacement to serve from the start of the new term on Jan. 1, 2016, until the Board of Elections certifies results of the November 2017 election. The Central Committee must make the appointment no sooner than five days and no later than 45 days after Hensel files her formal resignation with Siddiqi and the Board of Elections.
The five London members of the Republican Central Committee are Bill Blazer, Josh Clifton, Bonnie Hamilton, Steve Saltsman and Steve Scaggs.
The November 2017 election will determine who fills the second half of the unexpired term, from late November 2017 through Dec. 31, 2019. Individuals interested in running for the seat must file as partisan candidates in the May 2017 election or as non-partisan candidates in the November 2017 election.
