It the distant past moderators were voted on by the citizenry. Perhaps it is time to restore this practice and reserve several moderator slots for election.
Election process: Would follow that of other Curia elected officials.
Eligibility: Clean moderation record, perhaps a limit on historical interactions as well.
Term: I think 6 months would be a good start.
This is just a rough idea and I am looking at the Constitution to see where it would fit.
============================================================== (Update Below)
Author: Gaius Baltar
Support: Akar, Cope, Dismounted Feudal Knight
The Consul will post an thread for qualified citizens to respond. A debate thread will be added so that these volunteers can be questioned by the citizenry and staff as to their motives and qualifications for moderation positions. After 5 days a poll will be created. The top two vote-receiving applicants will then have their names advanced by Consul to the Head of Moderation for consideration as moderators.
Qualifications: Citizens who have previously served as Curial officers, Magistrates or Tribunes.