BUCKHANNON – The City of Buckhannon has received applications from five qualified candidates for the city council seat left vacant after David McCauley stepped down in October.

In response to a request from My Buckhannon, the city said the candidates are, in alphabetical order: Dr. Greenbrier Almond, John Antolini, Dr. Theresa Black, Scott Randall and James Valenson.

Applicants will be interviewed during a special city council meeting on Nov. 6, 2024, at 6 p.m. at City Hall. According to the agenda, those interviews will be held in executive session. After the interviews are conducted, council could then open the meeting to the public and select the appointed member that evening.

The vacancy on city council came about when McCauley resigned after he was indicted on charges related to child pornography in early October.

Section nine of the Buckhannon City Carter states: Whenever a vacancy from any cause shall occur in the office of mayor, the recorder shall become the mayor of said city, and shall serve as such until the next city election or until his successor is elected and qualified, and in the case of a vacancy in the office of recorder or councilmen the remaining council shall, by a majority vote, fill such vacancy.

Buckhannon City Council voted on Oct. 17, 2024, to accept applications from residents interested in the position. Applicants were asked to provide a letter expressing their interest in the position and why they believe they would be ideally suited for the job, a professional resume, professional references and ideas they have that would benefit the city’s future.

The new council member will be sworn in at the next regular meeting of the Buckhannon City Council at 7 p.m. on November 7, 2024, according to a press release from the city.