FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mayor Pro Tem and Zone 1 Councilman Jeff Seifried resigned during Monday night’s City Council meeting, citing a job opportunity outside of Springfield. He praised his fellow colleagues of City Council, City staff, including City Clerk Brenda Cirtin, Economic Development Director Mary Lilly Smith and City Manager Greg Burris for their tireless work to serve citizens. “I’m here to tell you they’re the best. They keep us in check. They keep us out of trouble…we’re all moving in the right direction.” Seifried went on to say his favorite projects he has been involved with over the past few years include Moon City Creative District; developments on Commercial Street, The Heers building other projects to build a strong center-city district. Mayor Bob Stephens spoke on behalf of City Council, thanking Jeff for his service. Councilwoman Cindy Rushefsky followed up, describing Jeff as “an independent, intelligent and thoughtful member of this Council. That is the exactly the kind of person we need to serve on City Council – someone who is willing to stick his neck out and research and come up with creative solutions.” His resignation is effective Friday. The Mayor has asked City Manager Burris to provide an outline and potential timeline for the process for filling the vacancy. Historically, when a Councilperson resigns, City Council will set a timeframe for the accepting of qualified applications. Once that deadline has passed, those applications are forwarded to Council and decisions are made as to the interview process. City Charter section 2.5 states that vacancies will be filled with a majority City Council vote and the appointee will serve in the position until the next regular city election. The last time a Councilperson resigned mid-term was in 2012 when Thomas Bieker resigned his General Council seat due to a move outside the City limits. At that time, Council interviewed several applicants and ultimately selected Mike Carroll. City Council will also vote to select a new Mayor Pro Tem. For more information, please contact Cora Scott at 417-864-1009 or cscott@springfieldmo.gov..
