By JEFF DEZORT Newton County Times
JASPER — Half of the Jasper City Council resigned Thursday night, July 15. The council is comprised of four members, two representing each of the town's two wards.
Lindsey Graham, Ward 1, Position 1 council member, announced at the end of the regular monthly council meeting that she is resigning effective Friday, July 16. She explained she and her family are moving out of Jasper to a new home near Harrison in Boone County.
Then, Todd Parker said he is also resigning effective Friday from his Ward 2, Position 2 seat because he is also moving — into Graham's former home in Ward 1.
The council accepted the resignations and then declared vacancies exist on the council.
Mayor Jan Larson said she consulted with the Arkansas Municipal League on the procedure to best proceed in filling the seats. Those vacancies are filled by council appointments.
So, the council, having declared the vacancies, is now accepting applications from qualified individuals living in the respective wards who would like to fill the seats. All that is required to be considered is to submit to the mayor a letter expressing interest in which position and a resume of sorts for council members Michael Thomas and Leslie Murphy to consider when they meet at 5 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 19, at City Hall.
They will make their decision at the start of the regular council meeting which begins at 6 p.m. The new council members will be sworn in and begin to fill the former council members' terms at that time.
Parker indicated he would like to.continue to serve on the council and that he is considering applying for Graham's seat.
