SANDER TO RECOMMEND SAWYER'S REPLACEMENT AT COUNCIL MEETING

JACKSON -- Mayor Paul Sander will recommend someone to fill Kevin Sawyer's seat at the Board of Aldermen meeting Monday.

Sawyer, citing events in his personal life, resigned his position as alderman at this week's meeting.

Sawyer, re-elected in April, said Thursday he had "mixed emotions."

"I'm sorry to leave, but I feel the city has accomplished a lot in my eight years," he said. "There has been a lot of reorganization and a lot of construction."

Alderman Jack Piepenbrok, initially elected at the same time as Sawyer, said the departing alderman had become a close friend and would be a big loss to the board.

"He knows what's best for himself," Piepenbrok said.

A special meeting agenda released by Jackson City Hall indicates Sander will make his recommendation at 7:30 p.m. Monday and the new member will take his oath that night.

Sander said Sawyer had some suggestions for his replacement, but the board will make the final decision.

The mayor also will recommend a new president of the board, a position Sawyer held, and will appoint a chairman of the street, sewer and cemetery committee.