By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorNew Warrenton Mayor Eric Schleuter said he would like to fill an open alderman seat by the next time the board meets on May 5.The Ward 2 seat is being vacated by Schleuter following his successful bid for mayor earlier this month. The new appointment will fill the remaining year in Schleuter’s unexpired two-year term.Schleuter acknowledged that some names have been kicked around, but said he preferred to gather input from the rest of the board before making a final decision.“I don’t think it’s fair for a mayor to throw a name in front of them,” he told The Record. “I want input from all of them. We need to be a cohesive unit and work together better on issues. That means getting input.“I don’t want it vacant for long. I would like it to be done for the next meeting, if we can do that. That is what I’m hoping.”Schleuter, who had served as Ward 2 alderman for the past year, was sworn in as mayor Tuesday night. He defeated longtime Ward 3 Alderman John Clark by 60 votes in the April 7 municipal election.As part of the eligibility requirements, the new alderman must reside in Ward 2. The appointment will require approval from aldermen.“I think the way we are going to proceed, we will carefully weigh the different candidates and anybody who is interested,” Schleuter said. “We will make the best selection we can.”The appointee, Schleuter added, must also be willing to mesh with the existing aldermen.“I want somebody who is independently thinking and passionate about the city and wants to see the city move forward,” he said.City of Warrenton