The mayor of Junction City resigned from his post last month, citing personal reasons.
Junction City Mayor Allen Simmons "had lots going on" interim Mayor Steve Williams said. Simmons declined to comment on his resignation.
Simmons submitted a letter of resignation Jan. 26, Williams said. On Jan. 28, the City Council met and accepted his resignation. In an executive session, Williams was appointed to serve as interim mayor.
Williams said he will serve in that position until the next election, which will take place in 2022. He was Ward 3 council member for almost 10 years before becoming mayor. Williams said he is associated with the Republican Party.
When Williams was appointed mayor, the Ward 3 council seat was left open. At Monday night’s city council meeting, Richard
McDonald was selected to serve as interim Ward 3, position 2 council member until the 2020 election.
McDonald has previously served on the Junction City Council and also previously served as water superintendent. He declined to comment on his appointment. Williams said the council voted unanimously to appoint McDonald to the city council.
Simmons served as Junction City mayor for two and a half years after 17 years as a city council member. He was re-elected in November after defeating opponent Larry New. During his tenure as mayor, Simmons oversaw road improvements throughout Junction City as well as an expansion of the Junction City Police Department.
Williams said that because Junction City is categorized as a second-class city, they are not required to hold a new election when someone resigns their post. He said the city opted to save the money they would have spent on a new election by appointing the new municipal officers instead.
Junction City is about 16 miles south of El Dorado.