LINDEN &8212; With the news of Mayor Pat Vice&8217;s death last week, one spot remains vacant on the Linden City Council, with the opening of the qualifying period for the 2008 municipal elections only days away.

According to state law, municipalities are required to fill any vacant spots on a council after a vacancy has come either by death, resignation or impeachment. Shortly after the news of Vice&8217;s death Cheryl Hall, city administrator, said the council still did not know what the next steps would be for the city.

The city council can temporarily appoint mayor-pro tem Alvin &8220;Butch&8221; King and hold a special election. If this were to happen, the vacated seat for King&8217;s spot in district 2 would require an election to fill the unexpired term.

As for whether or not King would take the appointment, he said he was unsure.

July 1 marks the first day of the qualifying term for both city council and mayoral candidates. Potential candidates are required to submit intent to run forms, a list of two to five persons to serve on a campaign committee and a statement of economic interest with the city clerk and the probate judge.

If a special election were held to fill Vice&8217;s vacant seat, the remaining city council or mayoral seat would be for a period of five months when the new officials take office on the first Monday in November.

The city council meeting is at 6 p.m. on July 1 at Linden City Hall.