Grand Junction Taking Applications After Council Member Resigns

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) - The Grand Junction City Council will take applications to fill an empty seat after a city councilman accused of domestic violence resigned.

At-large member Rick Brainard submitted his resignation last week. Council members decided Tuesday to accept applications from any city resident interested in replacing him.

Brainard was arrested in April for allegedly slapping his girlfriend and pushing her into a dresser several times.

In his resignation letter, Brainard said he is not a violent person and was ashamed that he let circumstances get away from him. He says he sought help from professionals and has reconnected with his girlfriend.

The council is also filling another vacancy created by the death of Harry Butler. They plan to interview four candidates who have applied for that opening.

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