Charlottesville narrows down the list of appointed council member applicants

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Only six finalists are left after 20 people applied for an open seat on Charlottesville City Council.

The city announced Thursday, February 2, that the final six applicants are: Alex Bryant, Kathy Galvin, Lisa Larson-Torres, Natalie Oschrin, Leah Puryear, and Kristin Szakos.

Each councilor sent in their top candidates list to Mayor Lloyd Snook, who then compiled them into the six finalists.

“It was just done out of recognition that with 20 applications, in many people who are very qualified, and if serve the city in many different ways, we’re going to have to do something to begin to narrow it down,” Councilor Michael Payne said.

City Council is set to hold a public hearing about this on Monday, February 6. The six applicants will be given time to address councilors, and the public will have an opportunity to speak. Councilors will then interview each of the applicants.

“I’m curious to hear what members of the public have to say and what kind of qualities and experience they want to see from whoever is chosen as the interim city councilor,” Payne said.

Charlottesville City Council will announce its selection Feb. 21. Once selected, the appointed councilor will serve until December 31.

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