Another face has entered the picture in the contest to see who will take Second Ward Councilman Todd Penske’s seat.

Wednesday, January 05, 2000

Another face has entered the picture in the contest to see who will take Second Ward Councilman Todd Penske’s seat.

The most recent filing came from Linnea Burtch, an Austin native who has spent much of her life here.

She was a licensed practical nurse who worked in obstetrics for 24 years, and is now active on the Domestic Violence Task Force, as well as other volunteer organizations.

Burtch is the third person to file for the Austin City Council seat Penske was forced to vacate when his business began negotiating with the city for land.

Others who have filed for the seat include former Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Garry Ellingson and Roger Boughton, retired vice president of academic affairs at Riverland Community College.

The past few years have seen almost as many people appointed to the Austin City Council as elected to it. The election of Second Ward Councilman Dick Chaffee to the council member at-large position brought about the appointment of Todd Penske, and the recent departure of Robert Romo from a First Ward seat brought about the appointment of Neil Fedson.

Applications still are available at city offices, and the deadline for their return is Monday. Once all the applications have been collected and reviewed, interviews for the position will be conducted Jan. 15, and the new appointment announced by the mayor at the Jan. 18 council meeting.