The Racine Committee of the Whole convened on March 4, 2025, to discuss the process for filling a vacant aldermanic seat following the passing of Alder Jones. The meeting focused on whether the current council or the newly elected council should make the appointment.

City Attorney provided an overview of the options available to the council. The council could either leave the seat vacant until a special election or appoint a candidate to serve until the end of the term in April 2026. The discussion highlighted the importance of timing, as the new council will be elected on April 1, 2025.

Council members expressed differing opinions on who should make the decision. Some members advocated for the current council to fill the vacancy, citing their experience and understanding of the community's needs. Others argued that the new council should have the opportunity to make the appointment, allowing them to establish their leadership and work with a candidate of their choosing.

A motion was proposed to have the current council proceed with the appointment process. A voice vote was conducted to determine the council's preference, with members weighing in on the merits of each approach.

The outcome of the vote and the next steps in the appointment process will be crucial for the governance of Racine as the council navigates this transition. The decision will impact the council's composition and effectiveness in the coming months.