With Sean Ashton gone, City Council must decide what to do with vacancy

Sean Ashton resigned from the City Council on March 18.

DOWNEY — Sean Ashton’s resignation from the Downey City Council became official Friday, leaving the remaining council members with an important decision to make: appoint someone to finish Ashton’s term or leave the seat empty until November?

Citing a job promotion, Ashton abruptly resigned with about eight months left on his term.

According to the city charter, the City Council can appoint an eligible resident to serve out the rest of Ashton’s term. Residents interested in the appointment must live in Downey’s District 2 which encompasses the southwest quadrant of the city.

Residents will be asked to fill out an application and could be interviewed by the council at a public hearing.

The City Council can also leave the seat vacant until the November general election.

Council members are expected to choose a course of action Tuesday.