SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Spanish Fort Mayor Joe Bonner has received three recommendations to date from the community-at-large for filling the District 3 seat on the City Council.

Residents Wendy Pickering, Bob Pannone and Bobby Fortenberry have all been asked the same question: “Are you willing to serve?”

And all three, Bonner said, have answered, “Yes.”

Longtime City Councilman Joe Thomas passed away Feb. 20. The council has 60 days from that date to appoint a replacement to complete Thomas’ term which expires in November 2012.

“I’m asking the City Council members to give me their recommendations within one week, but all three of the names I have to date come highly recommended and respected within the community,” Bonner told the council and public during both Monday’s informal work session and regular meeting at the Gathering Place.

“It’s going to be a tough decision,” Bonner said, indicating to the council he would like to proceed with establishing an interview protocol as early as the April 4 work session.

“I’d like to get a clear understanding of their mission and their thoughts,” he said.