John Clark To Replace Andrews On City Council

The Sebring City Council unanimously selected former city Councilman John Clark on Tuesday, to temporarily replace Councilman Dan Andrews.

Clark was sworn in by City Clerk Kathy Haley at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Andrews was suspended indefinitely last week by Gov. Charlie Crist, after being arrested on three felony charges in connection with his position as president/CEO of the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce.

When and if he is reinstated by the governor, Clark would step down and Andrews would complete his term, Haley said Wednesday. If Andrews is not reinstated, Clark would remain on the council until Andrews' term expires in 2011.

City Attorney Bob Swaine said Tuesday night that the city charter requires a vacancy on the council to be filled promptly by a majority vote of the council.

City Councilman John Griffin told the council that he had been in contact with Clark who said he was willing to step up to the plate and serve.

The appointment was seconded by Councilman Scott Stanley and he was selected by a 4-0 vote.

Clark works at A.G. Edwards and Sons Inc., and was a strong fiscal conservative and has a good handle on finance, said Council President Bud Whitlock on Tuesday.

Clark served two three-year terms from April 1, 1996 to March 31, 2002.

"I got a call way back when (Andrews) was terminated," said Clark. "And they asked when this happened would you be willing to put your name in the hat?

"I said, I'll talk to my wife and if she agreed would put my name in for consideration. And when it (the arrest and suspension) happened I got a call again."

Clark said yes.

Clark said he is very sad for Andrews and his family.

He currently serves on the Sebring Airport Authority board.

He also said Tuesday that if he were appointed to the council he would lobby for the liaison position to the airport authority, when that became available.

"This is an unfortunate circumstance," said Clark. "Hopefully, we can do the city's business without any major theatrics."

Swaine suggested Tuesday that Clark should write a letter of resignation from his airport authority board position prior to the swearing in, in order to avoid a rule against dual office holding.

"I'd suggest it be in writing so it is better documented," Swaine said.