As the clock winds down for recommendations and the appointment of 1st Ward alderman post in DeKalb, both the city and the Student Association hope to avoid the controversy that surounded last year’s process and tore the rift between the organizations wide open.

Sparrow announced six of the 12 applications for further consideration and will announce the final candidate at a Friday news conference.

The candidates are these: Amy Polzin, Stephan Hapaniewski, Kevin Johnson, Channing Blair, Todd Bogwill, and Chad Kollross.

Although he has the final say subject to final approval by the council, Sparrow said he encourages input from the SA and other student organizations.

“If they want to review the candidates and make a list of people they find acceptable, that’s fine, but they shouldn’t go as far as tro endorse one candidate.”

Rather than endorse one candidate, the SA should make a recommendation similar to each alderman’s list of their top three choices.

Relations between the city and SA soured last year when Sparrow chose Jeff Monroe to fill the 7th Ward seat over former Student Regent Nick Valdez-the SA’s choice.

Tensions came to a boil with accusations and arguments between the SA and city council, the kind of “mis-communications” SA Community Affairs Adviser Jennifer Novak vowed to put an end to.

Sparrow said he does not anticipate a repeat of the situation, so long as those making recommendations remember that they are advisory.

“Maybe they’ll find all six acceptable, but it (his choice) could easily come out of the pile they don’t find acceptable.”

SA President Rob McCormack said he doesn’t see the recommendation becoming a stumbling block in relations with the city.

“We’re trying to improve relations and we’re trying to handle this as professionally as possible,” he said.

While he makes the final choice, Sparrow said he will weigh all recommendations in his decision.

“Any one of the six, on paper, could do the job, but I want somebody that will be able to hit the deck running and get along with the council,” Sparrow said.