City looking to fill open spot on council

BY Ariana Shah

Jordan Ehrenkranz, who died recently while serving on the Canyon Lake City Council, will have his vacancy filled June 23. Photo provided by City of Canyon Lake

The Canyon Lake City Council is looking for a candidate to fill a position on its council left vacant after the passing of the late Jordan Ehrenkranz.

Those interested in applying for the position must make an appointment with City Clerk Ana Sauseda to pick up and return an application.

The four members of the existing City Council will appoint the person to fill the vacancy. Mayor Kasey Castillo has some pointers as for whom she thinks the council is looking.

“It’s going to be very hard to replace Jordan,” Kasey said. “We are looking for someone with common sense, great energy, drive to move Canyon Lake forward, and a good understanding of where we’ve been and where we are at now.”

Applications have been open since Wednesday and will close this coming Thursday at 5:00 p.m. Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older, a resident of Canyon Lake, and a registered voter at their home address.

The City Council serves as the critical body of the Canyon Lake City Government. The residents of Canyon Lake elect the non-partisan members, but when a vacancy occurs, the sitting city council votes amongst themselves to fill the vacant term. The appointed city councilmember will serve on the council until the next general municipal election.

“After all the applications are submitted, there will be an ad hoc committee of two council members who will decide which candidates would be the best fit. They will then send their list to me,” Ana said. “Once the committee chooses these candidates, the City Council will have an open session for discussion between Council and residents.”

This special session will take place on June 23 at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall. This session will be virtual and in-person under the state’s COVID-19 guidelines.