Senger to resign before election deadline
November 19, 2008
Residents interested in running for City Council will likely have the choice of seeking a four- or two-year term.
Councilwoman Darlene Senger, who two weeks ago won retiring state Rep. Joe Dunn's seat in the 96th District in a heated contest, said she plans to submit her resignation in time for her successor to be on the April 2009 ballot.
"My intent is to work with Margo tomorrow ... my intent is to write the letter before the 28th," Senger told the council by phone Tuesday night.
City attorney Margo Ely said she will work with Senger in drafting a letter that accomplishes the council's intent to let the voters select who will serve the remaining two years in Senger's council term.
According to Ely, should Senger resign after Nov. 28, the council would appoint someone to fill the remainder of Senger's term, which ends in 2011. But if Senger resigns before Nov. 28, residents would get to select the new council member to serve a two-year term during the spring election.
"The date of the receipt of the letter is the date that determines if there is an election," Ely said.
Senger did not specify which date her resignation would be effective, but she has previously indicated that once she takes the oath of office in Springfield, she will no longer be able to continue her duties on the City Council.
No matter when Senger resigns her seat, the council will have 60 days to select someone to serve – whether it is for the few months before an interim election or for the two years.
Council members urged Senger to submit her letter soon to give potential candidates notice that a two-year term will be available.
"My recommendation is we do it as soon as possible so people know this is going to happen, and they can start pulling petitions," Councilman Kenn Miller said.
So far 26 people have pulled petition packets for the four, four-year terms up for election, Councilman Doug Krause said. However, should any of those individuals wish to run for the anticipated two-year term, they would need to start new petitions if they already began collecting signatures for a four-year term.
The last day to file nominating petitions for City Council seats is Dec. 15.
