In a letter to the City Commission, Commissioner Andrew Werring has formally resigned his position effective immediately, citing the growth of his law practice as a conflict between his community service on the Commission and time spent with his family.

 A life-long Atchison native, Werring has served on the City Commission since 2007. He is one of the youngest sitting commissioners in Atchison’s history, first elected to office at the age of 26. He was elected Vice-Mayor in 2009 and served as Mayor in 2010. He was re-elected in April 2011.

 Werring’s resignation opens up a vacancy on the Governing Body. According to City precedent and state of Kansas statutes, the remaining four members of the Governing Body will select a replacement at their next meeting on Monday, February 6th at 4:30 at City Hall.

 At the meeting, Commissioners will nominate candidates and vote by simple majority, with the City Attorney voting to break a tie, if necessary. If you are interested in serving as a City Commissioner for the remaining term until April 2015, send a letter of interest to Deb Clem, City Clerk ATTN: City Commission, 515 Kansas Avenue, Atchison, Kansas 66002.

 Letters of interest must be received by noon on Wednesday, February 1st. To be eligible for consideration, you must be a registered voter in the city of Atchison and not barred from serving by the State of Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission.