Bryant Moynihan first to apply for vacant Council seat

Bryant Moynihan, the author of November's controversial ballot measure to roll back sewer charges, is the first person to apply for the vacant City Council seat.

Moynihan, who previously served on the council from 2001 to 2004, turned in an application and questionnaire to the city clerk on Thursday morning, making him the first applicant for the seat.

Moynihan, a commercial real estate broker, is the founder of Petalumans for Fair Utilities Rates, which campaigned in favor of Measure U. Moynihan and other proponents claimed that the measure's passage would force the city to be more responsible with its finances and not pass costs on to rate-payers. Measure U opponents argued that sewer rate increases were needed to pay for the new Ellis Creek wastewater recycling facility. Measure U failed on election day by a margin of 55 to 45 percent. Moynihan also introduced Measure K in 2008, a similar initiative aimed at both water and sewer rates.

A number of candidates who ran for City Council in November have also confirmed they will apply for the seat, including Jason Davies, Ray Johnson, Karen Nau and Gabe Kearney. Former mayor candidate Jeff Mayne and former mayor Pam Torliatt said they are also considering applying.

The city will accept applications until Jan. 20. The council plans to begin narrowing applications at a special meeting on Jan. 31.

- Argus-Courier Staff