The resignation of Gary Becker as Mayor of Racine on child porn, Internet sex chat and misconduct in public office allegations leaves the Common Council to decide how to best fill that position, which still has two years on the current term.
City Attorney Rob Weber says aldermen can dictate how long they want an interim mayor, by deciding on the next mayoral election, which could be as soon as this spring. "It's too late to have it at the same time that we have our general election, but we could have a primary on that day," said Weber, adding that a general election could be held four weeks after that primary.
Weber said the council could decide to wait past the upcoming spring election, for a later date. "It could be done in the fall, that is up to council. It could be April of 2101, or it could be April of 2011."
Weber said both a primary and a general election would each cost about $20,000, unless the primary is included with the upcoming general election on April 7th.