Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
Long-time Third District Alderman and newly appointed Common Council President Ryan Schwartzman has resigned.
In an email dated Sunday at noon, Schwartzman advised Mayor Derek Woellner of his resignation being effective immediately; citing personal reasons.
“Mayor Woellner,
I am resigning from my elected position of Third District Alderman, effective immediately, due to personal issues. It has been both a privilege and a pleasure serving my district and the City of Merrill. I want to thank everyone both elected and appointed for helping me make Merrill the best that it can be. I wish the best to you, Mayor Woellner and the City Council going forward.”
Schwartzman first took the city’s Third District seat in 2010; defeating incumbent Ray Bloomer 152-72. Schwartzman stood unopposed through three terms, until this past April when he was challenged by Eric Ott. Schwartzman would prevail in the Spring General Election 104-63. Schwartzman would go on to be appointed Council President by fellow aldermen at the council’s organizational meeting in April; replacing former president John Burgener who was defeated in the spring election (184-71) by John Van Lieshout.
As for the future, it will now be a matter of the Merrill Common Council deciding on the process of filling Schwartzman’s vacancy. According to City Administrator Dave Johnson, the council would have two options: To consider letters of interest from prospective parties and appoint a successor to fill the seat until the April 2019 Spring General Election; or appoint a successor to fill the seat until the end of Schwartzman’s term in April of 2020.
The council’s next meeting is set for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 11 in the council chambers at city hall.