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Mystery councilman never showed The Associated Press TALENT -- City officials are scratching their heads over what seemed to be a mysterious disappearance of one of their newly elected council members. Douglas Anderson took the trouble to fill out all the paperwork required to seek a spot on the council last August. Congratulations were sent out when he won the November election, but he hasn't been seen at City Hall since. Anderson, who listed his occupation as restaurant manager on his application, missed his official swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 6 and a council study session on Jan. 11. City employees have tried to reach Anderson by phone on and off since the election. But messages have gone unreturned. Most recently he was sent a certified letter informing him of the possibility he would lose his seat. The letter was never accepted. When he didn't show up for Wednesday night's meeting, the council decided it had waited long enough and voted to declare his seat vacant. The owner of the Anjou Club apartments where Anderson lives says he went to work "on the road" as a semi-truck driver. But city staff and elected officials are curious why he never let them know he wouldn't be able to fulfill his duties. City Administrator Leahnette York met Anderson when he first filed for the position. "He seemed truly interested," she said. "He attended one meeting and then we never saw him again." "The council ... would have understood if he would have contacted them to explain the situation," said York. "But they don't understand why he just didn't respond, ever." Council members are ready to fill the seat and have set a Feb. 5 deadline for interested citizens to return applications. Interviews will be conducted Feb. 8; the council plans on making an appointment on Feb. 17. The appointed member fills the seat vacated by Mayor Marian Telerski and will have to run again in November when the term for position No. 4 expires. Monthly compensation is $125. Applicants must live in and be registered to vote in the city of Talent. Applications for the position are available at City Hall, 204 E. Main St.. Call 535-1566, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA