LITTLE ROCK — During a special New Year’s Day meeting, the North Little Rock City Council set March 8 as the date for an election to fill a vacant alderman’s position.
The vacancy occurred when former Ward 3 Alderman Sam Baggett resigned Dec. 19, two days after a federal jury convicted him on three of six charges related to his former capacity as a federally licensed firearms dealer. His sentencing is set for May 17.
Council members formally accepted Baggett’s resignation at their last meeting of 2010 and informally agreed to consider legislation at its next meeting Jan. 10 for calling the March 8 election. However, the city attorney pointed out that there must be 50 days between drawing for ballot positions and the day the election is held.
Elections must be on the second Tuesday of a given month. If a runoff is needed, that election will be held March 22, according to the ordinance passed Saturday.
The brief meeting followed a swearing-in ceremony for elected officials.
Arkansas, Pages 16 on 01/02/2011