Several city councillors— backed by other state elected officials — want to skip a special election that would be triggered by the expected resignation of city councillor Tania Fernandes Anderson, who said last week that she will leave her seat as part of a guilty plea to federal corruption charges.

Fernandes Anderson has not yet tendered her resignation, but if she does, the city charter calls for a special election to fill the vacancy. But with an election coming this fall, several of her colleagues say the seat should stay open until then to save money and allow for an orderly election cycle.

“With the general election approaching later this year, it would be inequitable to ask the public to participate in such a hastened process that will leave voices out,” said Council President Ruthzee Louijuene, who filed a Home Rule petition to waive the special election requirement. She was joined in filing the petition by Councillor Liz Breadon of Brighton. Other supporters of the petition include Secretary of State William Galvin, State Sen. Liz Miranda, Rep. Chynah Tyler, Rep. Chris Worrell and Rep. John Moran, all of whom represent parts of District 7.

Louijeune, who along with Mayor Wu called on Fernandes Anderson to resign after her arrest and indictment last year, said at-large councillors and District 7 staff would “remain available to handle constituent matters.”

Fernandes Anderson was accused of engineering a kickback scheme involving $7,000 in city funds through one of her employees. According to reports, she has agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors, who intend to seek one year in prison, three years of supervised release, and restitution.

The home rule petition will require approvals from the council, the mayor, the state Legislature, and the governor to go into effect.

-REPORTER STAFF