PENDLETON — Pendleton Town Council Vice President Chad Wolfe has resigned from the town council, Madison County Republican Chairman Russ Willis said Friday afternoon.
Wolfe, a Republican, has “moved out of town,” Willis said, and is therefore not eligible to serve in the at-large seat.
A call to Wolfe — who was not present at the last regular town council meeting March 14 — went straight to voicemail on Friday and was not immediately returned.
Willis said Wolfe’s resignation was effective March 20.
He said a closed Republican caucus is scheduled for April 22, during which Republican committee members will vote on Wolfe’s replacement.
The resignation leaves four members on the council, Republicans Jessica Bastin, Bob Jones and President Jessica Smith, and Democrat Chet Babb.
Willis said he’s sent out letters to the eight committee members so they can plan to attend the caucus. If there’s a tie vote at the caucus, Willis, as party chairman will break the tie. He said only one committee member is required to be present to conduct the vote.
Wolfe was elected in November 2015 with 56 percent of the vote, defeating Democrat Tim Pritchard 382-299.
At that time, Wolfe has served for two years; he took office after a Republican caucus, replacing a council member who retired.
“I have lived in Pendleton 11 years, and I have a love for the town, which I think anyone in the office has to have,” Wolfe said prior to the 2015 election.
Wolfe said his experience as a business owner had been helpful during his first couple of years in office and would help him if he were re-elected. The work has kept him mindful of budget issues and the necessities in running a business.
“Running a town is very much like running a business,” he said.
Wolfe said he was proud of his support to hire Tim McClintick as town manager and would continue to support him in the post.
He noted his involvement in the growth in the paramedic department, procuring acreage for a new water treatment facility and well field without increasing taxes or the water bill, additional sidewalks and development of the solar farm.
In recent years, he has been involved in efforts to attract business to town, such as Community Sports and Wellness, a $14-million athletics center planned for Falls Pointe Business Park.
Willis said people interested in serving the remainder of Wolfe’s term, which ends in November, should contact him at 765-643-4871.
There is paperwork that must be submitted by April 19.
Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, 18 or older and a registered voter with a Republican Primary voting history.
