Duddlesten Appointed to Round Top Town Council

The Round Top Town Council held a special meeting June 3 to appoint Karen Duddlesten to the Town Council.

A seat on the Council became vacant when former Alderman Judith Vincent became mayor following the election on May 4.

“Whenever a vacancy occurs on a town council the routine practice is for the remaining councilmembers to appoint a qualified individual to fill the vacant position until the next regular election,” stated a press release from the Town Clerk’s Office issued last week. “That was the expectation when Judith Vincent was elected mayor and upon taking the oath of office her alderman position was automatically vacated.”

The press release went on to say that Mayor Vincent had planned a process to allow prospective candidates to appear before council and the public at the next regular meeting on June 10.

“Unfortunately, a series of unforeseen events upended that plan when it became clear that the required number of councilmembers were going to be unable to attend the June 10 meeting,” the press release said.

No meeting could take place without a quorum of three aldermen. Nor could any town business be conducted, including filling the council vacancy.

“That grew even more concerning when it appeared that it was unlikely that the larger quorum required to hold a special meeting (all four seated aldermen) could be gathered to meet before the next regular meeting on July 8,” the press release stated.

“The most practical solution available to council was to quickly hold a special meeting at the facility where Alderman (Lynn) Conine was receiving occupational therapy before Alderman (Jeannette) Burger left the state on extended travel. That meeting took place on June 3. The only business considered was filling the current vacancy on council.

“Round Top councilmembers voted to appoint Karen Duddlesten to fill the vacancy created by the election of Judith Vincent as mayor,” the release said. “Alderman Duddlesten had appeared as a candidate for alderman on the election ballot just last month. As with any other alderman appointed by council, her term of office will expire with the next town election of officers (May 2025).

“With this important vacancy filled, it is expected that the regular June 10 meeting can be held, as well as additional special meeting as may be required before the July 8 regular meeting.”