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RYE, N.Y. - The Rye City Council voted 5-0 to appoint Julie Killian to an interim seat on the board Wednesday, with council member Catherine Parker abstaining. Killian will fill the unexpired term of former council member Suzanna Keith, who will be moving to Houston, Texas, later this month.
"I'm gratified by the support of the City Council and I look forward to serving the people of Rye," Killian said.
Killian was chosen over Rye residents Charmian Neary and Jason Mehler. Keith's term is not up until the end of 2013, but, as a condition of the interim appointment, Killian would have to seek reelection in November to remain on the council through 2013. Killian said Wednesday night she intends to run in November.
Killian is a 20-year Rye resident who worked in finance for Citibank before retiring to raise her children. Killian has become active in the community, serving on the city's Finance Commission and in various capacities with the schools and other community organizations.
Parker said her reason for abstaining stemmed from a belief that any new council member should be elected by the people. Parker instead voiced support for leaving the seat vacant until the November election.
"I would like to see a motion to leave the seat vacant until the public can determine through an election who is the best candidate to take office," Parker said. "We've had three people come forward and that, to me, sounds like an election."
The City Council also read a proclamation honoring Keith for her 29 months of service.
"Both personally and professionally, we will miss her," Rye Mayor Doug French said. "She was full of energy and enthusiaism, and had a great rapport with the community."
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