The positive tone of the letters concerning the possible appointees for the remainder of Cecil Yates’ term is appreciated. In fact, I am one of the 11 people who have requested consideration for filling his vacancy.

My observation is that some recent letters to the editor have suggested that the town council would benefit from using the recent town election as a guide when making its selection to fill the empty position. I respectfully disagree.

While it is humbling to think that one of the 11 applicants will be appointed for a position others have had to run for, it is important that each of us on the list be considered on our own merits, rather than based on the results of the recent election. Numbers, independent of other factors, can be tricky things. Limiting the discussion to statistics alone might invite opposing arguments.

For example, one person might argue that because the mayoral race was so close, many Fountain Hills people have actually expressed strong support for Mr. Yates. That person would reason that the town council should honor the support of those many citizens, and prevail upon Mr. Yates to fulfill the remainder of his term.

Or, on the other hand, another might argue that, when given an even chance, a simple majority of the total Fountain Hills voters actually rejected Ms. Grzybowski from serving on town council. Therefore, this person would say, the Fountain Hills people have expressed they do not want Ms. Grzybowski on town council, and she should be stricken from the list of those under consideration for appointment.

If we drag the election numbers into the current process, we are talking apples and oranges. I respectfully request that the town council consider giving the 11 candidates a clean slate during the appropriate deliberation procedures.