Some Lakeland officials signal their support for reappointing Phillip Walker
LAKELAND — There's no official decision yet, but a few Lakeland commissioners have spoken in favor of appointing Phillip Walker to finish out his term.
Walker was required under state law to resign from his seat representing Lakeland's Northwest in May, prior to launching an unsuccessful bid for Florida House District 50.
His last day in office is Nov. 6 unless Walker is voluntarily reappointed to serve out the remaining year of his term by his colleagues. Eight residents have also applied for the seat.
Commissioner Stephanie Madden said she feels reticent about making appointments to the commission, calling it "the voice of the people."
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"I'm just one person, but if Commissioner Walker is a candidate and he's been voted upon several times in that district and is beloved in that district, I would have a hard time appointing anyone other than Commissioner Walker," she said.
Madden said she was thrilled to see the number of applicants and hoped each would consider running for the office next year. Walker will be term limited next November.
Commissioner Mike Musick said he's spoken to a few of the candidates after Walker asked to be considered to serve out the remaining year. Musick said he told each one he supported appointing Walker.
The longest-serving member of the Lakeland Commission, Walker said he needed a moment to reflect before asking if he could be reappointed to serve as the Northwest District's representative.
"I had to give it consideration," he said. "Then I noticed things that were out there, things and goals that several of us have set before our city to be accomplished, so I thought, 'Why not.'"
Mayor Bill Mutz asked City Attorney Palmer Davis whether the commission was under an obligation to interview the other candidates. Davis said it is not.
The commission previously announced a decision would be made at the Sept. 19 meeting, and Davis advised they stick to that date.
Commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley, who also indicated support, said she will be absent from that meeting, meaning Walker will need have support from four of the remaining five commissioners — he will have to recuse himself from the vote.
Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Some Lakeland commissioners support reappointing Walker to board
