Salem City Council is accepting applications for an interim appointment to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Councilman John Saunders. The submission deadline is September 8, 2026. Saunders, a longtime public servant, died Saturday, August 22, at the age of 66. Under Salem's city code, vacancies must be filled within 30 days by a majority vote of the remaining council members. If the council does not act within that window, the decision …