After interviewing seven applicants in a special meeting Wednesday night, Nov. 12, members of the Oakdale City Council appointed former councilmember and longtime local contractor Rich Murdoch to fill the vacant seat left by the September resignation of Christopher Smith.

Murdoch, who previously served six years on the council, was sworn in immediately following the vote. He told the council he was “grateful” for the opportunity to serve again.

“I’m so grateful to be here tonight, and I want to mention how grateful I am for each one of you,” Murdoch said during his interview. “I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to be there.”

Murdoch highlighted his prior council experience, deep ties to Oakdale’s business community, and extensive background as a general contractor.

“I built most of the buildings that you’re aware of that were new in town,” he said, listing projects including Starbucks, Chase Bank, Bank of Stockton, Little Caesars, Cost Less, MedX and the former Hershey Visitor Center. “I kind of know how the wheels turn.”

Councilmember Kayleigh Gilbert praised the applicant pool and the level of preparation shown.

“I was very worried that no one would apply for this position,” Gilbert said. “I’m actually very impressed that most of you did know what our budget was and how it does work, because that’s the biggest thing that we deal with as a city council member.”

Gilbert thanked all seven applicants, noting, “Thank you for wanting to step up for your community, because a lot of people don’t want to step up for their communities.”

The City Clerk received eight applications, with seven remaining after one withdrawal. The applicants, listed in alphabetical order by last name, were: Ranjit Basi Jr., Mary Buchanan, John Clark, Ashley Hankins, Elizabeth Moyle, Richard (Rich) Murdoch, Paola Verduzco.

City staff noted that making an appointment rather than calling a special election significantly reduced costs for taxpayers. According to the council staff report, a special election was estimated to cost between $27,000 and $104,000, depending on timing, while the appointment carried a minimal expense of less than $2,000.

Oakdale City Mayor Cherilyn Bairos thanked the applicants and encouraged those who were not chosen for this appointment to reapply during the next election cycle.