The vote to set a special election to replace former Councilman Rocky Chavez was 3-1, with Councilman Jerry Kern voting against it and council members Jack Feller, Esther Sanchez and Wood voting for it. Chavez resigned last month to become state undersecretary of veterans affairs.

Before voting for the special election, the council deadlocked 2-2 on candidates proposed by Sanchez and Kern to fill the remainder of Chavez’s four-year term, which expires in December 2010.

Sanchez, backed by Wood, nominated former bakery owner Charles “Chuck” Lowery, who ran for council in 2008 and again in a failed December election to recall Kern.

Sanchez said Lowery has shown he’s a popular candidate with city voters, and the council would be following their wishes by appointing Lowery. Kern and Feller voted no.

Kern recommended former Councilman Sam Williamson, calling him “independent to the point of being cantankerous.”

“We need to reach across and find a compromise candidate,” Kern said.

Sanchez said she liked Williamson but preferred Lowery. She and Wood voted against appointing Williamson.