Outgoing alderman will not be write-in

In case there were any doubts about his candidacy, they’re gone now: Kent Barby will not, repeat NOT, be on the Common Council for the City of Stanley once the April election results come in.

Just to be safe perhaps, the Ward 2 alderman resigned his post as listed in the consent items for the Monday January 18 council meetings. Along with approval of the minutes adn review of the bi-monthly reports, there was another item to consider: “Approve resignation of Kent Barby as 2nd Ward alderman/President.

Consent items are approved en masse through a single council vote, while the resignation was spelled out in more detail in a letter Barby submitted to Mayor Al Haas. “Dear Mayor Haas,” the letter begins, “For almost eight years I have had the priviledge to be an alderman for the 2nd Ward. Being on the various committees has grown my insight and ap- preciation for all the hard work our city workers accomplish, and the many benefits Stanley has to offer a family. Stanley has a great group of people workingforthem,”Barbywrote. “It has been an honor to stand with my fellow council members and do what we thought was right for the needs of our great city<” Barby wrote. Resigning effective January 5, 2021, Barby closes out his letter by thanking the those he had a chance to work with. “I wish to thank everyone I have had a chance to work with,” he continues. “Everyone has been so kind. I wish the Mayor, council, and city workers all great success as you continue making Stanley the best place to raise a family.”

There are now four council meetings left between now and the April election, with two empty seats, one in Ward 2 and the other in Ward 3. The seat in Ward 3 is not up for election this time around, meaning that someone would have to apply to fill it, rather than running in Kent Barby has resigned. the election.

At any rate, with two empty spots on the council and thus the council just three no-shows from lacking quorum as it did earlier this year for the Dollar General variance, before the situation was rectified–it would seem that some enterprising soul is needed to step up and answer the call to public service. As a perk, you might get your picture and a free quote or two in the paper for posterity–never know until you answer the call.