Jim West resigns from Joplin City Council

Longtime Joplin City Councilman Jim West has resigned from his position Friday from that panel. West had served for a total of 19 years at various times on the council.

The city released the information about the resignation on Saturday.

The release from the City of Joplin stated:

“Jim West resigned from the Joplin City Council yesterday. We thank Jim for his 19 years of service to the City and wish him well. He served as a general council member during the following terms: 1988 – 1996; 2000 – 2004; 2006 – 2010; 2016 – February 15, 2019.”

Newstalk KZRG caught up with Joplin mayor Gary Shaw. He said the city now will begin the procedure to select a replacement for West.

“Obviously this is news to us as well,” Joplin Mayor Gary Shaw said Saturday night.

“At our next council meeting we will meet with our City Attorney and he’ll remind us of the procedure, what to do and then we will proceed with following those instructions to fill that seat.” Mayor Shaw said he had no idea of the reason for West’s resignation.

A news release on Saturday from the City of Joplin also did not state a reason for the resignation.

Mayor Shaw said the resignation came via a letter from West’s representative, attorney Bill Fleischaker of Joplin.