Saratoga Town Council declares vacancy

Of the three individuals elected to the Saratoga Town Council in 2018, only one remains following the resignation of Councilmember Bob Keel on April 6.

Keel, who was elected alongside Councilmember Jon Nelson and former mayor John Zeiger, had been absent in recent meetings of the governing body but was in attendance to announce his resignation. The announcement came under the council comments section of the meeting, with Keel reading from a prepared letter.

"My time as a town council representative has been rewarding. I have enjoyed serving the residents of Saratoga. Back in November, when Ben Spaulding and Creed James interviewed (me) about (a) potential mayoral appointment, they questioned whether or not I would quit the town council when things were hard or not going in my favor," said Keel. "I reaffirmed my commitment to serving on the council."

Keel added that he had also told Spaulding and James that he would always put his faith and family over the council.

While both Spaulding and James had been elected to four year terms on the Saratoga Town Council, James was appointed mayor on January 5, 2021. Between August 18, 2020 and January 5, Keel served as mayor pro-tem. 

"Today, I'd like to inform you that, due to changes that have happened to my family in the last month, I resign my seat on the Saratoga Town Council effective April 6, 2021," Keel said. "I'd like to thank everyone who has reached out to me over the last two-and-a-half years and given me your support. I would ask that you support me in my new journey that my family and I will be going on over the next five years."

The resigning council member stated "it's been a pleasure" to work with the employees of the Town of Saratoga and members of the governing body. He went on to state that changes that had happened to his family made it impossible for him to be both a good council member and a good parent.

"So, I pick my family over the Saratoga Town Council," said Keel.

Following his letter, both Spaulding and James thanked Keel for his time on the council and the period of time he served as mayor pro-tem following the resignation of Zeiger in August 2020.

"I know it's a tough role and we're all experiencing that. Obviously, family does come first," said Spaulding. "In a time that was tough, you stood up and I appreciate that and I appreciate everything you've done for the Town so far."

"Where Ben and I are kind of the two new ones on this, I don't think we necessarily grasped the time commitment and all that it was going to take," added James. "I appreciate all your help and all your work for the Town."

Neither Councilmember D'Ron Campbell nor Nelson, the latter of whom attended the meeting via phone, commented on Keel's resignation. 

After his announcement, Keel excused himself from the meeting. James asked for a motion to declare a vacancy and advertise for letters of interest. The motion was made by Spaulding and seconded by Campbell, with the stipulation that a deadline of April 16 be placed for letters.

Should the council receive letters of interest by the deadline, the filing of the vacancy will be discussed at the next meeting. Whoever is appointed will serve until December 31, 2022.

The next meeting of the Saratoga Town Council will be at 6 p.m. on April 20 at Saratoga Town Hall.