Source: City of Richardson
On September 28, 2026, the Richardson City Council appointed Daniel Burdette to fill a vacancy for Place 3 on the Council. Council Member Jennifer Justice's comments on the experience were not a glowing endorsement of the process.
I will say it was the hardest decision that I've made since joining the Council...I genuinely hope a future Council is not forced to make a similar decision, and I support changing the Charter the next time it's reviewed so that the council does not have to stand in for the voters should this situation ever arise again.Source: City of Richardson.
Justice didn't say what should replace the current appointment procedure, but if the goal is to let the voters make the choice rather than the Council, then a special election would seem the natural alternative.
As Council Member Justice already supports a Charter change, there's no need for me to spend time making the argument for it. There's also no need to wait for the next full Charter Review Commission. That's neither necessary nor wise. The City Council can propose an amendment itself. I urge Justice to get the full Council to do this.
The Richardson City Charter says, "Section 19.03, Charter amendment: This Charter may be amended no more than once every two (2) years." The most recent Charter amendments were approved by voters in May 2026. That means the Charter can be amended again in May 2028. The City Council can propose amending the Charter in the first City election on or after May 2, 2028. I urge Council Member Justice to ask the full Council to do this. Let's hope we don't face another vacancy before then.
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
"One seat, many hopes.
A difficult choice to make.
Let voters decide."
—h/t ChatGPT
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