New York state Assemblymember Pat Burke is backing new legislation that would make sure elected official office vacancies are filled through an open and transparent process.
Filling vacant elected positions is mostly done by appointment now, and mostly out of sight. Burke’s OPEN Appointments Act would require public notice of the vacancy, public release of the applicants’ names and qualifications, and an open forum where candidates answer questions before anyone votes.
Read the full story: New state proposal seeks to make filling vacant elected positions more transparent — NY State of Politics, June 17, 2026.
What it looks like without a law: filling a council seat behind closed doors in Johnstown.
