Jan. 31, 2018 – West Bend, WI – Just hours after a story ran on WashingtonCountyInsider.com about the community expressing concern regarding the whereabouts of Dist. 2 alderman Steve Hutchins came word that Hutchins walked into City Hall and resigned.
According to city clerk Stephanie Justmann, Hutchins actually resigned Tuesday afternoon just before City Hall closed at 4:30 p.m.
“He said he was choosing to end his term now,” said Justmann. “He said next April (2019) it would be 10 years and he thought that was enough.”
Hutchins was first elected in April 2009. He’s been reelected to a two-year term the past four election cycles.
His seat is up for election in April 2019.
The agenda for Monday, Feb. 5 common council meeting has been released and item No. 28 reads, Discussion and Decision to fill Aldermanic Dist 2 Vacancy due to Resignation.
Hutchins also serves on a large number of committees.
“The council will have to decide if it will go out for a special election or if it will appoint for that seat,” said Justmann. The Special Election would have to be held in November 2018, because the upcoming election is already within the next 70 days.
Justmann said the council did not have to formally accept Hutchins resignation. She said she could legally accept it as city clerk.
“He was really a joy to work with,” Justmann said. “He brought a great balance to common council and he brought the opinion of the working man and really represented his constituents.”
Hutchins had not been in attendance at a council meeting since Oct. 2, 2017.
The city has already received interest in representing District 2 as Mike Christian called to inquire about the post. Christian has been involved in the community. He currently sits on the board for the History Center of Washington County and he’s on the Community Cable Committee. Christian also ran for mayor of West Bend in 2008 and lost to Kristine Deiss.
