May 9, 2024 |
Photo – Barkhurst Collision Center – Courtesy Yelp
The Saratoga town council selected a new member to fill the empty seat.
During Tuesday’s Saratoga town council meeting, the board voted local business owner Bub Barkhurst onto the council.
Barkhurst takes the seat formerly held by Jacob Fluty. Fluty died in February after getting caught in an avalanche while snowmobiling in the Sierra Madre Mountains.
In March, Mayor Chuck Davis requested letters of interest for the open council position. At Tuesday’s Saratoga town council meeting, Mayor Davis announced that two people were interested in serving on the board.
Mayor Davis called the candidates up to read their letters of interest and answer questions from the council.
Planning Commission member Chia Valdez was first. Valdez began by reading her letter of interest.
Councilwoman Kathy Beck asked Valdez why she wants to be on the council and what she hopes to accomplish. Valdez said she is drawn to serve and wants to guide the town while it grows.
Councilwoman Beck asked Valdez what makes her qualified to serve on the town council. Valdez said being a Wyoming resident, radio host, and local business owner gives her the ability to effectively serve the town.
Mayor Davis then asked local business owner Bub Barkhurst to address the board. Barkhurst read his letter of interest.
Councilwoman Beck asked Barkhurst similar questions about his motives. Barkhurst said he wants to ensure the town doesn’t change fundamentally while it grows. Barkhurst pointed to his experience as a manager and business owner as proof of his ability to govern.
Mayor Davis explained that whoever the council chooses will only serve until the end of the year. The mayor encouraged both candidates to register their names for the upcoming November elections.
Mayor Davis asked the council to select one of the candidates. Councilwoman Beck motioned to appoint Valdez, but her motion died for a lack of a second. Councilman Jerry Fluty motioned to choose Barkhurst. Councilman Mike Cooley seconded and the motion was passed.
Mayor Davis informed Valdez that she could still run for the council seat this November.
Barkhurst will serve on the Saratoga town council until December 31st.
