Pettus steps down (03/27/2009)

DUNKIRK - A new city council member is being sought to fill a vacancy created Thursday by the resignation of Raymond Pettus Sr. who represented the city's northeast section.

A Democrat, Pettus cited health reasons for his decision to resign. He had back and neck surgery and earlier this year took early retirement from Saint-Gobain Containers of Dunkirk.

Pettus noted Thursday that he had missed several council meetings due to his health problems, and he didn't think it was fair to the people to continue as a council member.

Pettus was elected to the city council in November, 2007, and took office in January of 2008. He has roughly three years remaining on his term of office.

Dunkirk City Democrat Chairperson Pam Bunch said Thursday Pettus' resignation was effective immediately, and she is in the process of looking for a replacement who will be appointed by the local Democratic Party.

She said interested registered Democrat voters may submit a letter of interest to her at 16 Leisure Lane, Dunkirk.

"All letters must be postmarked by Saturday, April 11. No late inquiries will be accepted," she said. For more information persons may call Bunch at (765) 768-7297.

Dunkirk District 4 comprises an area bounded on the south by Norfolk Southern railroad tracks, along the east side of Main Street to the northern city limits and east to Haskell Road and the eastern city limits.

Pettus had challenged Ron Hunt for the Democratic Party nomination for mayor, but lost.[[In-content Ad]]