The new City Council members have not even been named but one current City Council member already is jockeying for the council’s top position – council president.

Incumbent Merv Bennett has put out feelers among his fellow council members – should he be reelected — seeking their support for council president. He was asked by the Colorado Springs Forward leadership to do it, he said.

Bennett is the only incumbent seeking reelection. At-large Councilwoman Jan Martin is term limited and at-large Councilman Val Snider decided months ago that he would not seek a second term.

The news that Bennett wants the top seat on council isn’t exactly music to Keith King’s ears. He was elected council president two years ago. Some have said that if King is not reelected council president by his peers that he will resign.

“I wanted to see how it all it settled out,” King said. “I have not made a decision to resign or not to resign. I will consider what will happen with the election. It’s too early to make that decision.”

King said he has not lobbied his fellow council members — Jill Gaebler, Andy Pico, Don Knight, and Helen Collins — for support, but he added, “I think it’s possible Merv has the votes for council president.”

King said he’s looking at all the options.

Voters will choose three at-large council members and voters in District 2 will choose a council member to complete the term of former council member Joel Miller, who resigned in November to run for mayor. And finally, voters in District 4 will decide if they want to recall Councilwoman Helen Collins. If Collins is recalled, the City Council will appoint someone to represent District 4.

Council could see three new members on the nine-member panel. Or, it could have as many as five new council members. And then, there is no telling how the race for council president will shake out.

“Frankly, I have looked at all my options,” King said. “I want to be an effective voice for trying to find a way to work inside this form of council-mayor governance. One thing that is essential to me is being able to initiate some legislative things — that’s why I have not said if I’m going to stick no matter what.”

New council members will be sworn in April 21.