WEB EXTRA: Text of Stephen Rank's resignation letter

The following is the text from Everly City Council member Stephen Rank's letter of resignation, which was submitted to the city Monday night. Additional coverage of the Everly City Council meeting can be found in the Tuesday edition of The Daily Reporter.

May 18, 2009

To: The Honorable Mayor & the City Council of the City of Everly:

We have discussed in past Council meetings the fact that I am moving out of the State of Iowa to help care for my parents. I've already had a replacement representative named for me on the NW Iowa Solid Waste Agency and one should be named for the Lone Tree Cemetery Board soon.

Being that information has come to light which may disparage the reputation of this fine governing Board which is receiving an inordinate amount of publicity, I feel it may be in the best interest in the business of the City for you to accept my resignation at this time.

I am honored that the fine citizens of Everly elected and re-elected me to office. I am honored to have worked beside you trying to make our town a better place for all of us. One just has to look at our city park, street repairs and other unnoticed work being done by the council to understand you people have done a great job and I am sure will continue to do so.

You have strong support from the excellent employees you have working for the City to accomplish whatever the Council directs under the very capable leadership of our Mayor. You have strong support in the citizenry of this community who always seem to manage to step up to task to accomplish whatever additional projects which need to be done. I cite the 125th celebration coming up as a fine example.

I thank the Mayor, the Council the City employees and all citizens of Everly for their support and understanding in this matter. I hope some day in this great State that victims of chronic disease and illness will be afford [sic] compassionate care and not be subject to what has happened to me.

In total respect and admiration for your time and efforts I submit this resignation, effective immediately.

Stephen A. Rank

Councilmember

Mayor Pro Tem

City of Everly