BRECKENRIDGE — After discussing the options for appointing a seventh member to the Breckenridge Town Council, opening up a selection process became the council’s unanimous choice at its meeting Tuesday.

Six candidates ran for three open seats during last week’s election, and the other option would be to appoint the person who won the next highest votes — Michael Bertaux. After the election, this fourth seat, a two-year position, opened when Dr. John Warner vacated his council seat because he was elected mayor.

“I want a very highly functioning Town Council,” said Warner, adding that his worry about going with Bertaux is that as a result of working for the ski resort, he would have to “recuse himself often.”

Councilmember Dave Rossi said he wants to public to be involved with the appointment process.

“I think this is an important position. ... I think there are a lot of people who think the fourth highest vote-getter is the way to go,” Rossi said. So, to ensure the process is fair, the public should have a chance to voice their opinion, he continued. “I’d like to avoid kind of the good ol’ boy notion. ... People think there’s a strategy and that bothers me.”

And while other councilmembers agreed the public should be involved, Eric Mamula, the new mayor pro-tem, commented that he wants it to be within reason, and hopes it does not turn into a contest of who can bring the most friends to support them.

“It’s the council’s job to fill the seat,” Mamula said. “I don’t want a room full of people vying for their candidate.”

Councilmember Jennifer McAtamney wasn’t at the meeting, but did send a letter supporting the option for a selection process. And while the council discussed potentially holding a special meeting for interviews and appointment, they decided to wait until the next meeting because McAtamney will be back at that time.

The council has 60 days to make an appointment, but is planning to fill the seat this month.

Applications must be turned into the Town by noon Monday. Anyone interested must be an elector of the Town of Breckenridge, a citizen of the United States and have resided in the Town for at least one year preceding April 22.

To apply, submit a letter of interest providing a description of experience in local government, involvement in the Breckenridge community and boards served on, and outlining knowledge of current local issues. Submit applications to Alison Kellerman, Town of Breckenridge, P.O. Box 168, 150 Ski Hill Road, Breckenridge, CO 80424, or to alisonk@townofbreckenridge.com.

Interviews will be held the evening of April 22. The public will have a chance to speak and the councilmembers will vote by paper ballot during the public meeting that night.

“My position is to try to get the best person in here, and that may be the fourth highest vote-getter or someone else,” Jeffrey Bergeron said.

<i>Lory Pounder can be reached at (970) 668-4628, or at lpounder@summitdaily.com.</i>