Chapel Hill Town Council member Bill Strom announced his resignation today from his position, effective Saturday.
Bill Strom
In an announcement emailed to local media sources, Strom said he wanted “to pursue other personal and professional opportunities outside the community.”
According to the Carrboro Citizen, rumors about Strom have been doing the rounds for a while, especially after he sold his house earlier this year, and declined to run for Mayor Kevin Foy’s soon-to-be-empty seat.
The timing of his resignation has led to indignation among some, including candidate for mayor Augustus Cho. He released a statement this morning, in which he questioned Strom’s motives.
“This is an example of why the public loses its faith and confidence in elected officials. By his questionable timing, Bill has effectively denied the voters an opportunity to express their values and preferences in choosing one of eight candidates for Council; instead, he has placed that privilege of appointment with the Town Council. This is insulting to the citizens’ intelligence and values as he departs Chapel Hill.”
Cho is referring to the fact that Strom’s empty seat will be filled by the council, instead of through the elections. Had Strom resigned while filing was still open, his seat would have been open to one of the Town Council challengers.
The council will begin the process of selecting a replacement at their September 14 meeting.
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