Junction City mayor resigns, interim mayor appointed

Junction City Mayor Allen Simmons resigned from his post last month, citing personal reasons.

“He had lots going on,” said interim Mayor Steve Williams. “He just resigned for personal reasons.”

Simmons submitted a letter of resignation Jan. 26, a Saturday, Williams said. On Jan. 28, the City Council met and accepted his resignation. In an executive session, Williams resigned his post as Ward 3, Position 2 council member and was appointed to serve as interim mayor.

“After we accepted his resignation, then I resigned my position as councilman and they appointed me to be the mayor,” Williams said.

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.

Asked how being mayor has suited him so far, Williams said “I haven’t decided,” with a chuckle.

When Williams was appointed mayor, the Ward 3 council seat was left open. At last 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 give a comment about 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 Ward 1 Junction City council member. He was re-elected in November after defeating opponent Larry New.

An independent, Simmons was a music teacher throughout much of his time on the Junction City Council. 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 secondclass 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.

Simmons declined to comment on his resignation.