14 apply for vacant City Council seat

The resumes of fourteen Tucsonans who want to sit on the City Council were posted online by the City Clerk on Tuesday night.

Those applying to fill the seat vacated by Rodney Glassman, who stepped down to run for the U.S. Senate, submitted resumes and cover letters expressing their interest.

The applicants are:

Jeff Bales

A sales manager for PoolRock.com. Bales is a vice chair of the small business commission. His letter to the Council said, "I am intimately aware of the inner working at the Tucson Convention Center, and can advise the Mayor and Council about how to improve its functions, assisting in the development of the hotel."

Keith Barnes

A Pima County Sheriff's Deputy and Air Force veteran. Barnes has lived in Tucson since 1981, when he was based at Davis-Monthan AFB. His application focuses on concern for public safety, infrastructure and economic development.

Joshua Chesser

A stay at home husband and self-declared "Tucson community leader." Chesser, 32, said in his applications that "I won't be making any sort of public statement other than to thank the good people of Ward 2 for showing so much support during this transition time."

Judith (Judy) Clinco

A registered nurse, and the founder & president of Catalina In-Home Services. President of Fort Lowell Neighborhood Association, Clinco has been a Ward 2 resident for 30 years. Clinco's application said, "I support economic development for all, a postive environmental policy, and education for all walks of life."

Paul Cunningham

A juvenile probation officer and ex-National Guard combat medical specialist. Cunningham is the son of former legislator George Cunningham, and has been involved in the Democratic Party. Cunningham's resume said his objective is "to obtain a position that assists in the development of our community so that our citizens’ natural resources, safety and welfare are protected and their financial opportunities are maximized to increase their quality of life." He points to his "skills with regard to representing constituents, advocating for peers, and displaying leadership."

Kestutis (Kasey) Eidukonis

A teacher at Tanque Verde High School and Vietnam-era Army veteran. Eidukonis, a former management consultant, was a political-military advisor to U.S. forces in Panama in 1990. A resident of Ward 2 for 12 years, he said, "I bring a lifetime of experience to the table."

Michael J. Fox

Retired in 2001 after 30 years of teaching journalism at Santa Rita High School. The registered independent thinks of himself as an "everyman" who is "willing to listen to all sides of an issue." Fox said, "I have not been directly involved in local politics, but some would say that should give me an advantage in being appointed to a City Council position."

Richard (Rick) Grinnell

A registered lobbyist and founder of Smart United Business Strategies. The former director of marketing for Metro Restaurants, and principal with Grinnell Enterprises, a business consultant. The Navy veteran serves on the board of Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority. His request for appointment said, "Although this appointment is desired by several good people, I believe my current and historical perspective on local, economic, political and civic issues provide the best opportunity to represent not only the good citizens of Ward II, but all our citizens."

Richard Livingood

Works in information technology for Vantage West Credit Union. A Tucson resident for 32 years, Livingood also teaches computer science at the University of Phoenix. He holds degrees from, among others, Capella University, Liberty Univeristy and Bob Jones University. His application said, "I believe my extensive background in business management, consulting practice, academics, and the media have prepared me to provide leadership to this community."

Ken Morgan

A partner in renewable energy consultant DLM Associates, and member of the Pima Community College Technical Advisory Board. The 50-year old Republican has lived in Ward 2 for three years and said he "would like to help Tucson’s small business community grow and achieve sustainability as we move into the future during a very rough and difficult downturn in economic growth."

Lori Oien

A partner with her husband in J Oien Ventures, a general contractor. Oien worked on the Officer Erik Hite Memorial and is a member of Southern Arizona DUI Task Force. The Republican, who has lived in Ward 2 for 18 yers, is endorsed by the Tucson Police Officers Association, the Pima County Deputy Sheriff's Association and the Tucson Police Commanders Association. She is president of the Bear Canyon Neighborhood Association. Oien said "I bring expansive experience to Ward 2 and I have built a reputation on 'getting things done.'"

Jason Parsons

The owner of Top Hat Formal Wear. Parsons said, "My entrepreneurial expriences in Tucson have allowed me to develop the traist needed to be an effective city councilman." Parsons said he "would have a unique perspective to be 'inside' and 'outside' the system."

William Polson

A 73-year old retired dentist. Polson served in the military in the early 1960s, and had a dental practice until 2003. He was a director of Arizona Bank from 1986-98. Polson said, "My goal would be to work for the citizens of Tucson and help deliver to them a vibrant, dynamic, unified community."

Kenneth Van Zandt

The owner of Arizona Territorial Termite & Pest Control. The 71-year old is a second-generation Tucsonan, who served in the Air National Guard and was a firefighter from 1957-80. Van Zandt references his public service and private sector experience. His application said, "Tucson has been my home since my birth. This community has given me wonderful opportunities. I look forward to repayment in the form of public service on the City Council."

Despite rumors of his interest in a council seat, Clarence Boykins did not submit an application. The head of the Tucson-Southern Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce had been considered one of the front-runners for the appointment, along with Cunningham.

Each applicant will be allowed to make a five-minute speech at the April 27 council meeting. Council members may publicly question the office seekers at that meeting. A final vote to fill the seat will be held May 4.

Glassman, who was elected in 2007, resigned April 6. The person selected to replace him will serve out the remainder of his term, which ends in December 2011.

There is no requirement that council appointees be members of the same party as whomever they replace. However, precedent suggests a Democrat will be appointed.