Troy City Councilor Chuck Ekstedt has offered a new reason for his recusal in a vote over the appointment of a municipal lay judge last month.

While councilors were discussing a motion to approve Ronald Traenkner to the position during a Nov. 17 meeting, Ekstedt recused himself, citing his lack of involvement in the appointment proceedings.

“I’m out of it,” he told his colleagues. “I had nothing to do with it.”

A panel composed of Mayor Dallas Carr, Councilor Shawna Kelsey, then City Judge Robbee Pennock and City Council President Crystal Denton interviewed four candidates for the city judge position.

Following a Dec. 8 city council meeting, Ekstedt said his absence from the process was part of why he recused himself, but said that a conflict of interest with one of the candidates was his primary reason for declining to vote.

Ekstedt has played a significant role in a local holiday event alongside Misty Webley, one of the candidates. Ekstedt said Troy City Clerk Tracy Rebo recommended he recuse himself before the November meeting because of the connection.

Traenkner secured the appointment to the city judge position. Kelsey and Councilor TJ Boswell voted in his favor. Denton opposed the nomination.