Here’s how you could join New Carlisle city council

New Carlisle is seeking candidates for a vacant spot on its city council.

A seat on its seven-member council opened up after former Council Member Jim Leathley resigned this month amid controversy over the selection of Council Member Ethan Reynolds as mayor.

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Leathley accused Reynolds of colluding with Council Members Ronald Cobb and Bill Cook by offering to help them campaign in exchange for their votes for Reynolds as mayor. Reynolds denied Leathley’s claim.

The selected council member will serve out the remainder of Leathley’s term. Almost two years remain in the seat’s four-year term, putting the spot up for grabs again in the 2019 general election.

Leathley served on the council for about a year after filling a vacant spot left by former Mayor and Council Member Lowell McGlothin. The seat opened up when McGlothin was elected a Clark County commissioner.

New Carlisle’s council meets on the first and third Monday of every month, at 7 p.m. in the Smith Park Shelter House. Council members earn about $4,800 annually.

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Potential council members must be registered voters and New Carlisle residents. To be considered, candidates should complete and submit an application, which is available at the City Building at 331 S. Church St.

The application asks about service on community boards and committees, involvement in local events, why a resident wants to serve on council and what skills they would bring to the position.

“If you live in New Carlisle and enjoy the benefits of the city and want to be active in its decision-making, this is a position for you,” said Reynolds, who served on council for six years before being selected as mayor this month.

Applications for the position are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24.

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