While we're not entirely comfortable with the Republican majority of the Cayuga County Legislature being able to hand-pick someone to fill the seat vacated by the death of Steven Netti, leaving the seat vacant until the next general election would leave Auburn's District 15 without representation for nine more months.

Ideally, a special election would allow the taxpayers of District 15 to choose their own representative, but state election law doesn't automaticaly provide for a special election.

It's a bit unfair that the person appointed will gain experience and an air of incumbency over any future Democratic challenger, but we nonetheless hope the Legislature finds the best possible person for the job #- even if it turns out to be short-term.

The new representative needs to be the person most capable of looking out for the interests of the people of District 15, not someone who is owed something or someone will pander to the local membership of the Republican Party.

The Legislature should also let the community know who their choice is before they vote on the appointment.

Legislators this week said that two people are already being considered for appointment, but neither was named publicly.

It makes no sense to keep these names under wraps before unveiling it to the public as the new legislator from District 15.

Democratic members of the Legislature should be given an opportunity to interview the candidate, and the public should also be given some time to find out a little about the person before an official vote takes place.

Perhaps the candidate could speak at the next Legislature meeting and give some personal background and briefly outline some goals for the future. The vote on the appointment could then be scheduled for the following month.

Filling this vacant seat on the Legislature is important, and keeping all the stakeholders informed is equally important.