( I found this amateur video in support of Roseann Mikos for the Moorpark City council on youtube.com )

The Moorpark City Council had a choice on what to do with the open seat on their city council. They could appoint someone who then would run for the open seat with all of the advantages of incumbency or they could do what they just did when they appointed someone to serve the term, but not run again, allowing for a more level playing field for any potential challenger.

Click here for the story.

Even if my favored candidate had a chance to be appointed I would rather them win it in an open election.

During competitive elections campaigns inform voters on local issues and their differing visions. Elections add legitimacy to government. New people are brought into the process which allows the elected official to call on their team to fill positions on committees and to volunteer on projects.

Elections can be expensive and I understand that during tough budget times calling an election for a council seat doesn't sound that appealing.

But if there is going to be an opening on the council I would prefer an appointment of someone that doesn't plan to run again.

The governors of Colorado, New York, and Delaware are expected to appoint replacements soon. Add to that whatever happens with the mess that is happening in Illinois and I would prefer that these seats from city council to the US senate were filled by elections, not appointments, and when that isn't possible by someone that isn't going to run again.

Thanks to Moorpark for setting an example.

In Simi Valley rumors have been swirling for months that two of the council members will be running against each other for mayor. If either of them wins that will leave an open spot on the council that could be filled by an appointment.

If you are interested in helping me convince the Simi Valley City Council to set up an alternative to appointing someone that will then run again as an incumbent, let me know and let's work on the policy before we know who any of the personalities might be.

None of this should be construed to say that appointed politicians that then run as incumbents aren't decent elected officials or that they wouldn't win on their own merits. I just think they should have to work for it.