What is more important in an interim city council member, years of experience or finding someone who represents the younger demographic in Jordan? Sitting council members had a difference of opinion when discussing who would be the best candidate to fill the vacant council seat on Monday night.

Five citizens filed application paperwork by the Thursday, Feb. 11 deadline, including former city council members Dale Oldenburg, Thom Boncher and Joseph Thill. Both Boncher and Thill were unseated in the fall 2014 election by Brenda Lieske and Mike Franklin.

The other two applicants to file were Ryan Dahnert, who has been on the Jordan Economic Development Authority since last September, and Gene Flynn, who serves on the Jordan Fire Department and is a member of the city’s Planning Commission.

Council members agreed they were looking for someone who would continue to encourage the growth Jordan has been experiencing.

“I know it is only 10 months, but we have a lot of big decisions to make in those 10 months,” council member Jeremy Goebel said.

“I would agree. We are focused on moving forward, and as a council we have good cohesion and diversity in our opinions,” Lieske added. “I too am looking for someone with experience, and our candidates are all very qualified.”

Council member Jeff Will said he wanted someone who could “hit the ground running.” He also said having someone who owns a business downtown would be a good asset and fill a void on the council.

Will then made a motion to nominate Oldenburg for the position, a motion which was seconded by Terry Stier.

However, Goebel said his vision for the vacant spot would be someone younger and more representative of the community at large.

“My vision was someone with kids, younger kids,” Goebel said.

“My vision too was someone that would represent more demographics also, someone that would try out the seat for 10 months and hopefully run for the future,” Velishek added.

Franklin said if the community wants a younger candidate to represent them, he would rather see that take place in the upcoming fall election than have the council make that decision, a sentiment Lieske agreed with.

“If there are people who have young children that want to run for office, I would certainly encourage them to do that in the next election, but for now to get us through, I think Dale would do the job because of all his experience and qualities,” Lieske said.

A motion to have Oldenburg fill the vacant council seat was passed 4-2, with Goebel and Velishek opposed.