LIVE OAK — The city council will hold a special election to fill the vacant position following council president Keith Mixon’s death.

The council reviewed the applications of J. Don Allen and David Blevins at a District 5 candidate hearing Monday but failed to appoint either.

Allen is a Suwannee High School graduate and a U.S. Navy veteran who is the co-owner and operator of The 406 on Duval.

Blevins is a SHS graduate and a former police officer. He ran against Mixon in last year’s election for the District 5 seat.

“I think I would do a wonderful job on the council,” Allen said. “I care about Live Oak.”

He said he has concerns about the city’s infrastructure, lack of voter registration and the contract with CH2MHill.

“Cost cutting is my forte,” Allen said. “That is where I feel like I shine.”

Blevins did not attend the meeting.

“I had made a decision to vote for Mr. Blevins but he is not present so I really don’t know what to say,” Councilman John Yulee said.

City Attorney Fred Koberlein reminded the council it was not required for applicants to attend the meeting and asked that it not be held against Blevins.

Councilman David Burch made a motion to accept Allen. The motion failed for lack of a second.

Yulee made a motion to accept Blevins and it also failed for a lack of a second.

Candidates can start filing notice of intent to run today.

The election will be held June 27 at City Hall.