By Kim McDarison
In a statement to the media Thursday, Fort Atkinson City Councilwoman Megan Hartwick reaffirmed her position, which was originally announced in February, that she was withdrawing from the race for a seat on the Fort Atkinson City Council to be decided April 4.
Within Thursday’s statement, Hartwick said: “I am incredibly humbled by the Fort Atkinson residents who cast their votes for me on April 4th, electing me to a second term on City Council. However, per my statement issued in February regarding my ‘official’ withdrawal from consideration for a seat on the Fort Atkinson City Council, I will officially resign from the position I was reelected for, effective April 18th, 2023.
“As also previously stated, WI State Statute 8.35 did not allow for my name to be removed from the ballot, even though I desired to no longer run or serve.
“Again, I am deeply appreciative of the support voters still showed for me on Election Day. I am proud of the contribution I have made during these past two years and have been honored to serve this community. I look forward to continuing to serve Fort Atkinson in other capacities for many years to come.”
A story published Wednesday by Fort Atkinson Online noted that Hartwick was among candidates appearing on Tuesday’s ballot and also was among the top three vote-getters running for three open seats, although she had earlier withdrawn from the race.
Among the field of four whose names appeared on the ballot, newcomer John Donohue did not emerge as a top vote-getter.
Unofficial results from Tuesday’s election released by the Jefferson County clerk show that incumbent Mason Becker was the top vote-getter, earning some 2,163 votes, representing 18.41% of the electorate; newcomer Kyle J. Jaeckel garnered 1,979 votes placed by 16.85% of the electorate; Hartwick received 1,758 votes from 14.97% of the electorate, and newcomer John Donohue earned 1,561 votes, representing 13.29% of the electorate.
Also in February, after Harwick released her earlier statement noting her withdrawal from the race, Fort Atkinson city officials released a statement outlining a process under which, would Hartwick garner a winning number of votes on Tuesday, the city would honor her wishes to withdraw and accept her resignation.
In that case, city officials noted in February, Hartwick would become elected, but would immediately resign, after which city council members could choose one of three options: appoint a successor to serve the remainder of the term; order a special election, or allow the seat to remain vacant until the April 2024 spring election, at which time new candidates could come forward to fill the one-year remainder of the term.
In a followup interview on Wednesday, City Manager Rebecca Houseman LeMire said that she was waiting for a statement from Hartwick about her intentions regarding the seat before she could fully understand how best to move forward with an agenda item regarding the resignation process, which, she said, upon receipt of a statement from Hartwick, could potentially be placed on a future city council meeting agenda.
An earlier story about Tuesday’s election results, Hartwick’s victory at the polls, and potential steps outlined which might be taken following Hartwick’s resignation, would it be received by city council, as described by the city manager, is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/becker-jaeckel-hartwick-win-city-council-seats-hartwick-stated-in-february-plans-to-resign/.
Megan Hartwick
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Megan, thank you for your dedicated service to our city. You were always prepared, understood the issues and asked thoughtful, intelligent questions that everyone learned from. There was never an agenda besides the priority of our city and you always exhibited respect for your colleagues, city staff and our citizens. We will miss you. Best wishes to you and your family.