JACKSON ALDERMAN TO RESIGN

JACKSON -- Jack Piepenbrok, an 11 1/2-year member of the Jackson Board of Aldermen, has submitted a letter of resignation effective Tuesday.

Piepenbrok said he did not want to comment on his resignation beyond his statement in a letter to Mayor Paul Sander.

In the letter, Piepenbrok wrote: "I find that I have fallen completely out of step with the majority of the council and staff. While I could possibly live with the pain and frustration of my resulting ineffectiveness, it is unfair to the citizens of Jackson for me to continue to occupy a seat on the Board. They deserve a representative that can make a difference."

Concerns about a potential conflict of interest had led him to consider resigning, Piepenbrok previously had said.

He is employed by Bowen and Lawson Professional Engineers and Surveyors. The firm's Rich Bowen also acts as the city's consulting engineer. In his capacity as an alderman, Piepenbrok was in the position of supervising the work of the person he works for.

Piepenbrok said he has no conflict of interest "and I do not want to have one."

Asked why he resigned, he said: "There are 20 or 30 reasons. Taken by themselves they all may seem trivial. Some are more than I want to deal with."

He said he is proud of the board's accomplishments during his service. He listed the city's sewer plant and the acquisition of the new City Hall at the top of the list.

"It's been a good ride," he said.

Sander lauded Piepenbrok in a written statement and declined any other comment. The mayor said: "His loyalty to Jackson and his knowledge of the total city operation are simply outstanding. Jack put in the time and effort needed to do a good job. It is with regret that I accept Jack's resignation."

A special meeting to address the situation will be held just prior to Tuesday's regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen. If the board accepts Piepenbrok's resignation, the mayor will then appoint a new mayor pro tem.

Piepenbrok currently is the city's mayor pro tem.

Sander then could appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Piepenbrok's term. Sander said Tuesday he doesn't know if he will be ready to name the new alderman by then.