The Westfield City Council has a vacant seat to fill in the wake of the death of City Councilor Patti Andras.
The popular councilor died May 31 after a battle with cancer, leaving an at-large seat open on the council.
City Clerk Karen Fanion said June 8 that the process of filling the vacant spot will take place this week.
“The seat goes to the next highest vote recipient at the last election,” Fanion said.
That person was Kevin Harraghy with 1,713 votes. Trailing Harraghy was Andrew Bannish with 1,489 votes, and Joseph Spanelli was one vote behind Bannish.
“I am sending Kevin a formal letter this week that he is the next in line,” said Fanion. “If he accepts, he would be sworn in at the next meeting.”
The City Council is set to meet next on June 21.
Fanion said the June 7 council meeting was “solemn.”
“Patti’s husband said a few words and was presented with her name plate,” Fanion said.
The City Council chose to leave her seat vacant until after the celebration of Andras’ life that will take place at Amelia Park Garden Sunday, June 10 at 3 p.m.
