Presque Isle City Councilor Meg Hegemann is resigning from the council to move closer to her husband’s family, she announced during the panel’s monthly meeting on Wednesday.
Hegemann is just seven months into a four-year term.
“When I ran for this position, obviously my plan was to remain in Presque Isle until the end of my term and unfortunately, recent personal and professional changes have necessitated our departure sooner than expected,” Hegemann said.
“In 2016, my husband and I returned to Aroostook County to be closer to my family. Having served them, now it is time for us to relocate to Rochester, New York, to be closer to his [family].”
Hegemann’s resignation will take effect on July 31. She won a four-year seat on the council in November’s election alongside incumbent Craig Green and newcomer Mike Chasse, who is serving a three-year term.
Both councilors offered their gratitude to Hegemann after her announcement.
“Meg, I just want to say that I’m sad,” Chasse said. “I’ve only got to know you for six or seven months through this, but I’ve grown to really respect you and I think you’re kind of a great balance on the council and have added a lot. Obviously good luck with your future, but I think we’re losing someone pretty awesome from the council.”
That sentiment was echoed by Green.
“Your service to the city is unbelievable,” Green said. “You’ve done a great job and in such a short time you’ve really left your mark and helped us.”
As a final act, the council unanimously approved a new street light — applied for by Hegemann — at the corner of Fort Fairfield Road and State Street.
It’s a move supported by the public works department, and one Hegemann applied for because it “is difficult to see this intersection at night and in the wintertime. State Street provides the fastest route to the hospital for people coming from the east. I myself missed the turn while transporting my father to the hospital in an emergency situation.”
“It’s a good legacy,” City Manager Sonja Eyler said.
In her announcement Wednesday, Hegemann said she “thoroughly enjoyed” serving on the council and encouraged the public to get involved in public service.
“I would deeply encourage you to get involved if you are not already, particularly if you do not see yourself represented at this table,” Hegemann said. “We need to see you here.”
A three-year City Council term to fill Hegemann’s seat will be on the November ballot. Councilors have 30 days from July 31 to “appoint a qualified person” to fill the role until the election, otherwise the city clerk must call a special election.
