Monday night was the first regular meeting for the new members of Springfield City Council, but council's longest-serving member overshadowed the proceedings.
Ralph Manley, a 10-year council veteran, abruptly resigned at the end of the meeting after he was unable earlier in the night to get the five votes needed to be mayor pro tem. Manley was one of three council members nominated for the post; he received two votes to Dan Chiles' four and Doug Burlison's three.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a visibly upset Manley gave his letter of resignation to new Mayor Jim O'Neal. In the letter, copies of which were given to news media, Manley cited the lack of council support combined with his intention to move out of the city this summer as reasons for his abrupt departure.
"I have failed to get a majority of support from this current council," Manley wrote, "so it is with regrets that after 10 years of dedicated service ... I hereby submit my resignation."
After the meeting, O'Neal expressed his respect for Manley and his shock with the decision. He also noted that the city charter lays the responsibility for choosing a successor on the mayor's shoulders, with the consent of council; he said a committee would likely be formed to interview candidates, though no time frame has been set.[[In-content Ad]]
