SALISBURY — The city of Salisbury has opened applications for the empty seat on the city council in an effort to ensure that no candidates who might be a good fit to fill the vacancy are missed.

The link to the application is available from Assistant City Manager Kelly Baker, who can be contacted at kbake@salisburync.gov. The seat in question was opened when former Councilor Anthony Smith resigned from the council on Sept. 17.

“After a lot of consideration, even though we got lots of great recommendations, we don’t want to miss someone who might have an interest. So, council decided to do this process and get this window of opportunity open for everyone. Everyone, even the recommended people, will have to do the application process,” said Mayor Karen Alexander.

State law requires only that the seat be filled by appointment of the city council. Smith’s seat was up for election during the 2025 election cycle, so the appointee will fulfill the rest of the term.

Alexander said during the city council meeting on Tuesday that the council is looking for candidates with a “background in community service, experience on boards and commissions, effective collaboration and communication skills, and qualifications that align with the city’s goals.”

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4. After receiving all of the applications, Alexander said that the members of the city council will review the candidates and determine how they want to move forward.

Smith resigned from the council to move back to his native Birmingham, Alabama in order to be closer to his mother and help care for her and to take advantage of career opportunities and help prepare his family for his eventual retirement. Smith moved to Salisbury in 2010 and was first elected to the council in 2021. Before his election, he spent over a decade working with community organizations throughout the city, “bringing his passion to community building, social justice and equity to the forefront of his service,” said Alexander during Smith’s last council meeting.