Target of Algonac recall effort submits resignation | News … – New Baltimore Voice Newspapers

The target of a recall effort in Algonac recently submitted his resignation from the city council.

Council member Joe Nugent was set to face 19-year-old Jake Skarbek in a November recall election, but will instead resign his seat if approved by the city council. Officials are expected to vote on his resignation at their Sept. 5 meeting.

Skarbek told The Voice he intends to submit his application for the seat.

Nugent, a lifelong Algonac resident, has served the city both as a council member and as mayor. He has also worked at the wastewater treatment plant and served as clerk at the citys department of public works. Nugents parents also previously served in the city.

To me, Algonac is my home, he previously told The Voice. I have lived in the same house my entire life. I love the area and its uniqueness the fact that your neighbors are also your friends.

Council will have 30 days to appoint a new member to serve the remainder of Nugents term, which ends in 2018.

He dedicated his life to make the city of Algonac, Mayor Eileen Tesch said of Nugent. He deserves our utmost respect and admiration. He will be missed.

While Nugents recall election will be canceled if his resignation is OKd by council members, a recall election is still scheduled for council member Irene Bird. In late June, Algonac resident and recall petitioner Amanda Gougeon submitted nearly 400 signatures targeting Nugent. The recall petitions filed against both members cite collusion, dishonesty and lack of integrity as grounds for recall, as well as secret meetings and the removal of the communitys former city manager.

Algonac resident Cindy Kloeffler asked Nugent and Bird for their resignations to spare citizens having to vote in November during the councils Aug. 15 meeting. Teschs resignation was also sought.

Joe has been a friend of mine for many years and a wonderful colleague on council always putting his life on hold to assist in any way he could, said Bird. He is a giving person who is loved and appreciated by those who know him. Because of Joes fantastic knowledge of the city of Algonac, he truly will be missed by council.

His resignation marks the fourth in the city this year. Former City Manager Doug Alexander resigned in February. Council member Helen Meldrum resigned in May, citing medical reasons. Clerk Cindi Greenia resigned in late August.

Nugent could not be immediately reached.

I wish Joe well on his next adventure, Bird said. He deserves it.

Skarbek graduated from Algonac Jr./Sr. High School in 2016 and is currently majoring in political science. He owns a lawn care business and is actively involved in the community.

My experience is low, but I am confident that I can make a difference, he said. I am an active listener for the people in the community. I will be bringing honesty and integrity to the city council. I will also be bringing a new generation of thoughts and ideas to the city.

Council members earn $40 per regular meeting and $10 per special meeting.

Those interested in applying for the vacant city council seat can submit resumes or letters of interest to Algonac City Hall, 805 St. Clair River Drive, P.O. Box 454, Algonac, MI 48001.

Pamela Binsfeld is a staff writer for The Voice. She can be contacted at 586-273-6197 or pbinsfeld@digitalfirstmedia.com.

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Target of Algonac recall effort submits resignation | News ... - New Baltimore Voice Newspapers