HB491 Midterm Vacancies must be filled in Open Meetings

Orem City Mayor died and Orem City council selected his replacement in a closed meeting.
John Dougal, R-Highland is sponsoring HB 491 requiring that midterm replacements must
be done in the open for the public to see.  Senator John Valentine. R-Orem, is the senate sponsor.

"When Orem was looking to fill the its open mayor position last year candidates were brought in and allowed to give a three-minute presentation to the city council. Council members were advised by the city attorney to not ask any questions of the candidates, and the council selected Evans to be the city's new mayor in a closed meeting. Under the current law, councils can go into a closed meeting to discuss personnel, legal activity or real estate deals but cannot make any decisions in a closed meeting." Billy Hesterman heraldextra.com

 "HB 491 requires a municipality and local school board to interview potential appointees in a public meeting; prohibits the discussion of filling a midterm vacancy in a closed meeting; and. . . . ."HB491 Text