by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — Wellington City Council member John “B.J.” Tracy made a stunning announcement at the end of Monday’s work session meeting.

Tracy has resigned from the city council. He was just starting his third year of a four-year term.

John Tracy

At the end of the council work session meeting, Tracy read the following letter.

“In August of last year, my immediate supervisor passed away unexpectedly from a medical illness. I was offered, and accepted his position of 911 Director — a position with far greater responsibilities that requires a large amount of attention and energy to fulfill. 

When I ran for city council in 2013, I did not hold these responsibilities, nor did I anticipate the events that would lead to my appointment as 911 director.

The City Council position under normal situations, one that I had held previously, was one I could easily hold. However, we not face numerous surmounting challenges: the challenge of keeping the hospital open and viable, finding a solution to the dilemma at Wheat Capital Manor, and balancing the budget to prevent revenue losses in the utility fund while at the same time maintaining service and repairing our aging infrastructure.

All of these are requiring a large amount of attention and energy to find solutions for. This does not mention the increasing strife among governing body members themselves, as we must find a way to disagree constructively without damaging each other and the community as a whole.

As a result, I do not have the energy to fulfill both positions. I am concerned that if I continue, I will be doing a great disservice to the citizens of Wellington. Therefore, I am submitting my resignation as city council member.

I am proud to have been a brief moment in history when Wellington elected its first woman mayor, and regret that I will not be able to serve with her and other newly elected council members. I am confident however that you will find a replacement with both the dedication, and time and energy needed to solve our immediate and future problems.”

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