The move was not entirely unexpected, since Dunagan had made it known he wanted to run for mayor under the city's new charter. Previously, the mayoral position had rotated among council members; as of this fall, that position will be elected citywide.
With the resignation, Mayor Pro-Tem Bob Hamrick will step into the mayor's position, but that still leaves Ward 1 without representation.
Councilwoman Myrtle Figueras offered to coordinate the search for a temporary replacement.
"Because Danny has resigned, we've got to find a fifth person to serve on the council during the interim while he's running for mayor," said Figueras.
That person must not have any interest in running for the post, according to the city charter, said Figueras. However, the appointee does need to have some experience.
"I'll be looking for folks who've run for government before or [someone] who has governmental experience in administrative positions and knows how government works," said Figueras.
And, Figueras said she will have to move quickly. Her goal is to have names for council members to consider possibly as early as the next work session, so that an appointment can be made by council's first meeting in September.
Qualifying for Gainesville City elections is August 28; the election is November 5.
Councilwoman Myrtle Figueras (center) will coordinate the search for a temporary council representative for Ward 1
http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/8/264696