City councilor vacates seat
Jessica Chase-Smith
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — City Council accepted the resignation of one of their own Monday night, following Jessica Chase-Smith’s decision to leave the seat she’s held since being elected last November.
City Manager Jim Bennett advised councilors he’d received Chase-Smith’s letter of resignation last week.
“On Oct. 8 I received the formal resignation of Jessica,” said Bennett, noting, “Unfortunately, it’s becoming old hat for some of us.”
In her letter, Chase-Smith said, “My decision to resign was difficult, yet necessary, as my husband’s recent job change and relocation have resulted in my being out of the area for extended periods of time. I feel I can no longer effectively represent the citizens of Presque Isle in the manner that this position requires.”
Chase-Smith said it had been “an honor to serve alongside my fellow councilors while representing the people of Presque Isle.” “I am honored to have had this opportunity to serve and wish nothing but success and continued progress to the city,” she added.
Bennett provided councilors with copies of the letter as well as a page from the city’s charter explaining how vacancies are to be filled. Chase-Smith’s term was set to expire Dec. 31, 2012.
Under the charter, “a vacancy, as defined by law, in the membership of the Council must be filled for the remainder of any unexpired term, if any, at the next regular election if it is at least 60 days after the vacancy occurs, but the Council, by a majority vote of its remaining members, must appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy until the person elected to serve the remainder of the unexpired term takes office.”
“When a resignation comes in, you’re supposed to appoint someone within 30 days,” said Bennett. “You have the option of appointing someone within 30 days or holding a special election within 60 to 90 days” of the resignation.
Bennett said such measures weren’t necessary, however, since Election Day was only weeks away.
“With the election approaching, you could operate with six councilors. The 30-day period runs out Nov. 8, you have until Nov. 7 to appoint someone. Election Day is Nov. 6,” said Bennett.
Councilors accepted Chase-Smith’s resignation, opting to take no action to fill the vacancy.
Four individuals will be vying for two seats on City Council on November’s ballot. They include incumbent Dick Engels, and challengers Don Gardner, Jacqueline Goodine and Craig Green.
Council also held a budget workshop Monday evening, with Bennett and Finance Director Pat Webb providing highlights for each department. No major changes are proposed at this time. The Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library is facing the biggest changes, with the cutting of one full-time position, the elimination of a part-time position and a change in the facility’s hours of operation proposed for 2013. Recommended changes to the hours of operation include closing on Sundays, and closing on Saturdays during the summer.
A copy of the budget can be viewed at City Hall or at the library or downloaded from the city’s website, www.presqueisle.govoffice2.com. For more information, call 760-2785.
