BAXTER SPRINGS, KS --- Council Members were unaware Mayor Jenifer Bingham's resignation even happened until we asked them about it. Mayor Bingham released a formal letter to the Galena Sentinel and City Attorney Robert Myers announcing her resignation this afternoon.
In the letter, Bingham states she has had a great run as Mayor for the past two years, but she now no longer believes in the practice of government currently in the city. She says much of her decision stems from the November 6th Election in which the outcome of recalling three councilmen was very tight. She believes the people of Baxter Springs have spoken and the need for change is inevitable.
Council members say they are surprised and the news is just sinking in, as Bingham's desk remained empty today. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Kaufmann will now step into the role of Mayor and was officially called by City Attorney Myers to sign payroll checks this afternoon.
"I'm going to treat it as a formality and just continue to be the person I am and continue to do the job that I know," says Kaufmann.
We made multiple attempts to contact Former Mayor Bingham this afternoon....our calls were not returned.
City officials say, as of right now, they will not call an emergency meeting to discuss the next steps because their next council meeting is next Tuesday at 7pm.
