Maumee's newly elected councilmen urge mayor to delay resignation

Maumee’s recently elected councilmen are calling on city Mayor Jim MacDonald to delay his Dec. 1 resignation by a month to allow the new council to participate in filling the resulting vacancy.

Chelsea Ziss, Scott Sund, Isiah Gonzalez, and Dave Poeppelmeier collectively expressed that wish Monday in a prepared statement.

They have “deep concerns” about the timing of the resignation and its potential impact on the city’s governance transition and are proposing the delay as “a collaborative solution to align with the charter’s intent for smooth, equitable handoffs,” they said.

The resignation — that under the city charter would elevate council President Gabe Barrow to the mayor’s role — would lead to the outgoing council appointing his replacement before the incoming council members are s