Thanks for the response!
I guess I have to make my own decision here. The campaign I DMing is my own wacky creation. I am using the Eberonn map but it is divided into 5 nations and my cities are colored push pins in the map. The group is 6 to 9th level and are titled Barons for helping to restore the rightful king of one of the counrties. They are a mission for him when they end up in Sasserine that I have placed in one of the enemy countries. They (the Dawn Council)are looking to seceed from the "Southern Alliance" and ally themselves with the PCs King. I love to story line of the Savage Coast so I am side tracking them into this. Thus they have met the entire Dawn Council and I would need to supply a suitable replacement.
I like the idea of a long drawn out appointment of a new council memebr and may go with that. If pressed it will be someone of my own creation. Reason being none of the Islarans want the harbormaster job, the Kellanis will be exposed in this and will be lucky to keep their noble stats let alone become a council member and the Lorchesters are worried about taking over the lumber industry (although the title may help them).
Any other suggestions?