Fire protection district files request to fill empty seats

The East County Fire Protection District filed a notice of vacancy with the Cape Girardeau County Circuit Court on Monday, making a formal request that the court appoint two new members to fill the empty spots on the board of directors.

Under state law, a circuit judge may appoint members to the board in cases where there is a majority of empty positions.

Pamela Allen has been the only member of the board since June 21 after the resignation of longtime chairman Gary Fornkahl resigned his position.

Former board member Sharon Sticht resigned in April 2007, shortly after Allen was elected to the board.

The notice of vacancies named Cape Girardeau attorney, J.P. Clubb, as counsel for the district.

Sticht's resignation left an empty spot on the board for one year and three months.

When Fornkahl resigned, he cited the vacancy as a contributing factor in his decision, saying he and Allen had been unable to reach an agreement on how to fill to position.

Allen preferred to let taxpayers vote in the April election, but Fornkahl wanted the court to make an appointment.

The two members had discussed potential candidates for the empty position at board meetings but couldn't agree on any nominations. Just before the April election, County Clerk Kara Clark said she received a letter signed by the former board secretary, saying the district declined to have any elections.

Allen said she wasn't aware of the decision not to hold elections.

With the notice of vacancy, the board requests that a hearing be set so they can submit oral or written applications for consideration as appointees.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245