GRAND RAPIDS — After 15 years serving elected city positions, Grand Rapids Mayor Dale Christy announced his resignation, effective Wednesday, Jan. 3.
Christy began a new job as the Grand Rapids School District’s activities director last July and wrote in his resignation letter that he no longer has the time to attend duties as mayor.
“Grand Rapids is lucky to have so many people who step up to make it a better community,” he wrote. “In my new position, I am fortunate to be able to lead and facilitate people who are doing just that. I feel I am contributing to the community as much as when I was on the council and am grateful for the opportunity.”
Christy is a lifelong resident of the area, where he attended Grand Rapids High School and Itasca Community College. He is also the Grand Rapids Amateur Hockey Association’s charitable gambling manager.
“It is good to have some occasional turnover in elected positions. I know there are many people as qualified or more qualified to do the job than I was.”
City Administrator Tom Pagel is recommending the council appoint either council members Tasha Connelly or Dale Adams to fill out the rest of Christy’s mayoral term that ends Dec. 31.
Since both council members also have less than a year of their respective terms, Pagel is recommending the council advertise and take applications for the open council seat.