Desmond resigns from City Council
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — City Council has a vacancy following councilors’ acceptance of Micah Desmond’s resignation Monday night.
In a letter dated June 18, Desmond cited a conflict between work and Council responsibilities as the reason for his decision.
“I have taken the last couple weeks talking with my wife, Jessica, and at this time I feel it is for the best for us as a family as well as for our businesses both in Presque Isle and Houlton if I step down from my position as city councilor for the city of Presque Isle,” wrote Desmond.
Desmond expressed concern over the impact his role as councilor was having on his business.
“For the past few months Amato’s has turned into a place for people to complain to me, my wife, as well as staff about the decisions I have made or the inner workings of the city. When owning a small business, you are not able to lose customers based solely on your decision to vote one way or another, which we are starting to notice in our Presque Isle location,” noted Desmond.
In closing, Desmond thanked city officials for “allowing me to work with all of you. I will continue to follow what is going on and still have the desire, along with my wife, to do whatever we can to make the city of Presque Isle thrive the way we all know it can.”
Councilors expressed their appreciation for Desmond’s contributions to Council and their regrets at losing one of their own.
“It’s too bad it’s so difficult for downtown merchants to serve on the Council. It’s with regret we accept Micah’s resignation,” said Councilor Pete Hallowell.
Deputy Chair Randy Smith expressed appreciation for Desmond’s commitment and devotion to the city.
“I too regret his decision but understand and wish him well,” said Councilor Craig Green.
In accepting Desmond’s resignation, councilors then went into discussion with City Manager Jim Bennett as to how to go about filling the position. Bennett advised councilors they had 30 days in which to fill the seat or the matter would have to go to special election.
“If you fill it, the party would be appointed until the first Monday in 2014,” said Bennett. “If you fill by appointing someone, you would have one four-year term on Council up this year, then have a two-year term available as well.”
Councilors opted to accept applications from interested citizens, with an ad placed in The Star-Herald with more information on the process.
“Letters of interest and background information will be due by Wednesday, July 10, at 5 p.m. at the city clerk’s office at City Hall,” said Bennett.
