COLUMBIANA – Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley is accepting letters of interest and recommendations for the vacant seat on the Shelby County Commission.

The commission’s District 1 seat was vacated by Corley Ellis, who held the seat for 10 years after being appointed in 2006.

Ellis filled the Alabama House of Representatives District 41 seat that was vacated when Mike Hill was named superintendent of the state Banking Department.

Ellis was sworn in by Shelby County Probate Judge Jim Fuhrmeister on Oct. 20.

“I’m humbled and honored that I get to continue my service to the people of Shelby County by going to Montgomery,” Ellis said at the time. “To continue that service in Montgomery is exciting.”

House District 41 is primarily contained in Shelby County and covers parts of the county that are south of U.S. 280 and east of Interstate 65.

Commission District 1, meanwhile, represents the communities of Columbiana, Harpersville, Wilsonville, Vincent and part of Westover.

Anyone interested in submitting a letter of interest and resume can email documents to Will Edwards, director of appointments, at will.edwards@governor.alabama.gov.

Letters of support or recommendation can be emailed to appointments@governor.alabama.gov.

Yasamie R. August, communications director for the governor’s office, said that after a period of time accepting letters of interest and recommendations, officials will leave time for comment from county officials, then schedule interviews with applicants.

“After that, we will discuss it with the governor, and he will make an appointment,” August said.

There is no set time for candidates to make their interest known. Recommendations will be accepted until an appointment is made.

“There is no timeline, but the governor does not want a seat to be vacant for too long,” August said.

August said the appointment will be made based on qualifications, support and interview.