COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The Colorado Springs City Council held a special meeting on Friday to appoint a council member for District 3.
After rounds of voting, Stephannie Fortune was appointed to represent District 3 by a vote of 5-3.
“Just honored, I’m truly honored," said Fortune after her victory.
Monday morning, City Council held a Special Session to appoint a candidate to District 3. The meeting ended in a deadlock vote 4-4, resulting in Friday's meeting.
After another 4-4 vote, Councilman Dave Donelson, who originally endorsed Sallie Clark for the position, switched his endorsement to Fortune.
“I don’t wanna just cause a gridlock for the next two weeks and we’re right back here on the last day of the month trying to sort this out," said Donelson.
Public commentary took up an hour of Friday's Special Session. Many District 3 residents endorse candidates outside of Fortune and expressed their disapproval of the appointment process.
“I’m still with her on the “Funeral of my vote”. We deserve what we voted for,” said one District 3 voter.
Less than a year ago, District 3 re-elected Skorman on his progressive platform and ideas.
A longstanding charter leaves the power of appointing a new council member to the vacant seat in the hands of the other council members.
Fortune was able to resubmit her application after misinterpreting the less-than 750 character requirement for answers as 750 words, a point of controversy for many residents in District 3.
“I’m gonna bet that most of the emails that were received against me are people who don’t know me, and my hope is that I’ll get to know them," said Fortune.
Friday's meeting marks the third meeting to find a replacement for Richard Skorman, who announced his retirement in November to focus on his business.
City Council said they received over 300 efforts, mainly emails, from residents advocating for who they would like to see take over District 3.
The Council had the option to choose from a list of seven finalists, four women and three men.
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