Ward 8 city councilor Jim Lewis during a volunteer event at Orchard Heights Park. (Helen Caswell/Special to Salem Reporter)
Jim Lewis, a Salem city councilor who has represented west Salem since 2015, has resigned.
Lewis announced his resignation in an email to his fellow councilors Sunday.
“It is with great sadness and disappointment that I must submit my resignation from the Salem City Council. Lingering medical issues, family obligations and celebrations are keeping me from fulfilling my obligations to the position of City Councilor. I want to thank the City of Salem, especially the residents of West Salem for giving me the opportunity to serve my community. I wish everyone the best and may God bless the City of Salem,” he wrote in the email.
Lewis was a more conservative voice on a largely progressive council. He supported building a third bridge across the Willamette River, but also caught flak for a proposed micro shelter village in his ward that ultimately faltered.
The council will need to find a replacement to serve the remainder of his term, which ends Dec. 31.
Those interested in filling the vacancy will be required to submit an application to the council, be registered to vote and have lived in Ward 8 for a year prior to their appointment. Residents need to live within the new Ward 8 boundary chosen in November.
City Attorney Dan Atchison told councilors at Monday’s city council meeting they could schedule a special council meeting March 21 to interview candidates. Then, they will likely appoint a new councilor by March 28.
Read an updated story about Lewis’ resignation and his time on the council here.
-Saphara Harrell
