Princeton City Councilmember Ryan Gerfers has resigned from his Place 4 seat, citing health concerns that he said no longer allow him to serve at full capacity.
In a letter dated Jan. 10 and addressed to Mayor Eugene Escobar Jr., Gerfers said it had been “an honor and a privilege” to serve Princeton for the past two years but that his health had taken “a huge hit.”
He said he could no longer give “100%” to the job and believed it would be unfair to residents to continue serving under those circumstances. The resignation took effect immediately, according to the letter
Council will formally accept Gerfers’ resignation at its meeting Monday, Jan. 26, creating a vacancy on the seven-member council.
City Attorney Grant Lowry said state law and the Princeton Home Rule Charter require the vacancy to be filled by a special election because more than 12 months remain in the unexpired term, which runs through November 2027
Under the proposed ordinance, the special election would be held May 2, with candidate filing opening Jan. 27 and closing March 2. Polls would be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lowry said the city has budgeted $50,000 for a potential special election, with sufficient funds available in the current fiscal year.