Poplar Bluff city council accepts Rushin's resignation

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The Poplar Bluff City Council began advertising Wednesday for applications to fill the seat of Dr. Jack Rushin, a council member at large.

Applications will be accepted until July 30 and are expected to be presented for a vote at the Aug. 3 city council meeting.

Rushin's resignation was accepted Monday by a 4-1 vote. Council member Peter Tinsley cast the sole "no" vote.

In the resignation, Rushin denied wrongdoing related to nepotism charges, but said a court battle would be too expensive.

Special prosecuting attorney Kacey Proctor sought Rushin's removal after the council member voted in February to name his first cousin, Greg West, to the city hall feasibility study committee. State law forbids officials from naming a relative of the fourth degree to a city position, whether paid or voluntary, according to Proctor.

In light of Rushin's resignation, Proctor said he filed a motion Wednesday with Judge Thomas Swindle to have the case dismissed.

Tinsley said after the council meeting he thought the resignation was a mistake.

"Poplar Bluff is losing a good servant and a good man," Tinsley said.

Mayor Betty Absheer, mayor pro tem David Johnson and council members Ed DeGaris and Philip Crocker voted to accept the resignation. Council member Angela Pearson remained absent because of poor health.

"I feel if there's a law or rule, it should be followed," Absheer said after the council meeting.

Applicants for Rushin's position must be 21 years old, a qualified voter and a resident of the city for one year, according to the advertisement. Applicants cannot have any arrears for tax liens, forfeiture or defalcation in office. Applicants must remain a resident of the city throughout his or her term.

Pertinent address:

Poplar Bluff, Mo.