Are you interested in serving on City Council?

City Hall. Photo courtesy of Carrie Keller.

by Marsha Chartrand

At its January 6 meeting, City Council regretfully accepted the resignation of 22-year member, Pat DuRussel. DuRussel cited personal commitments as the reason for his resignation, and offered his willingness to return to Council if his position remained unfilled.

However, the City Charter outlines the practice for immediately filling a vacancy on Council, so that a quorum may easily be maintained in the event of other absences. Anyone qualified who wishes to serve may step forward and fill out an application to be considered for a trustee’s seat, which will extend through the next regularly scheduled election in November 2025.

A firm application deadline has been established for January 24 at close of business. Resumes and letters of interest may be submitted in person, by email, or via US mail. Any letters received after the close of business on Jan. 24 cannot be considered. Candidates will be publicly interviewed at the Feb. 3 meeting, and a final selection will be made on that date.

The City Council meets regularly on the first and third Monday of each month, at 7pm, with special or rescheduled meetings possible. Council members must live within the city limits, must be a resident of the City for a minimum of one year, and shall be a registered elector of the City on the last day for filing nominating petitions or appointment for such for which they are a candidate.  They also make a commitment to attend each meeting.

If you would like to make a difference in the future of this community, a position on City Council may be for you! Please consider if this is an obligation you find interesting.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.