At-Large City Council Seat Up For Grabs in Kent

If you’ve ever wanted a Kent City Council seat without the effort and expense involved in campaigning for office, now’s your big chance. Council will be accepting applications now through 4 p.m. Feb. 14 for the council-at-large seat held by Erik Valenta.

in order to move to North Carolina with his wife, Dr. Mary Ference-Valenta, who accepted a medical position there. Valenta’s departure from council midway through his four-year term means the remaining council members can appoint a replacement to serve through Dec. 31, 2013.

According to the city charter, council is required to appoint a replacement within 30 days of Valenta's last day in office, which was Jan. 31.

Applicants must be registered Kent voters who do not hold any other elected or appointed public office except that of notary public. To read the city charter’s fine print regarding job requirements, click this link and scroll down to “Section 26. Qualification” under the "Article VII The Council" heading.

Printable applications are available and through the city’s website. They also can be picked up at the Kent City Council Office at 217 E. Summit St.

Completed applications must be submitted to Linda Copley, council clerk, by 4 p.m. Feb. 14. They can be dropped off at council’s office, emailed to copley@Kent-ohio.org or faxed to 330-678-8688.

Mayor Jerry Fiala said in a memo that Copley will send all applications to council members on the morning of Feb. 15, giving them time for review before candidates are interviewed during a 6:30 p.m. public hearing that night.

Balloting will be done after the roll is called at the 7:30 p.m. council meeting Feb. 15. The victor will be administered the oath of office and invited to take their new seat on council that night.

For more information, call Copley at 330-678.8007.