Hartwick withdraws; name remains on ballot; city outlines possible outcomes

Following a statement made Tuesday by Fort Atkinson City Councilwoman Megan Hartwick that she will not be seeking reelection in April, city officials released information informing voters of possible steps given that Hartwick’s name will remain on the ballot. 

According to information released by the city, “a candidate cannot remove his or her name from the ballot per Wisconsin state statutes. Any person who files nomination papers and qualifies to appear on the ballot may not decline nomination. The name of that person shall appear upon the ballot except in case of death of the person.” 

Would Hartwick become a top vote-getter in April, the release noted, she would resign. 

Would the candidate become elected and resign, the council could:

• Appoint a successor to serve for the remainder of the term.

• Order a special election.

• Allow the seat to remain vacant until the April 2024 spring election, when a one-year term for City Council would be on the ballot. 

The city council elected on April 4 and seated on April 18 would become the deciding body and determine which of the three actions the city council might take. The decision would be made during a public meeting after the candidate resigned, the release stated. 

Hartwick intends to remain in office through the end of her current term, the release noted. 

“City Council member Hartwick continues to serve the city well for the term for which she was elected. While it is disappointing that she no longer wants to seek another term on the council, the city supports her desire to focus on her professional career and her family. I respect her transparency in communicating this matter to the city and the public long before the April 4 election,” City Manager Rebecca Houseman LeMire was quoted as saying in the release. 

A story, including Hartwick’s statement announcing her decision to withdraw, is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/hartwick-withdraws-from-city-council-race/.