What is most important here is that in a regular election, the voters have that information and can make their own informed decision. In this situation, where the city council will be substituting their judgment on behalf of the voters and appointing a successor, even the appearance of impropriety should be avoided.

Fortunately, the city council should not feel the need to consider either Bjerke or Luna. From the standpoint of best representing the intent of the voters, the two most legitimate replacements for Councilman Chavez are his widow and the runner-up in last year’s election. And the good news is that both are candidates to succeed him.