HdG City Council Member Resigns

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — One of the city council members in Havre de Grace has resigned, effective immediately. Councilman Steve Gamatoria announced his resignation at the Oct. 16 city council meeting.

Mayor William Martin said in a statement that he had asked Gamatoria to be his chief of staff.

Gamatoria will take the position of chief of staff as of Oct. 30, according to Martin.

"I would like to personally thank Steve for his many years of dedication to the citizens of Havre de Grace as a member of the City Council," Martin said in a statement.

"In his new position, Steve will continue working for our community and citizens as we mutually share the same desire for government transparency and efficiency," Martin added.

As the city's chief of staff, Gamatoria will oversee the municipal government's daily operations and report directly to the mayor.

To fill the vacant seat on the council, Martin will submit a nomination to the remaining council members.

Here is the section of the Havre de Grace City Charter that handles vacancies on the council:

"In the instance where any person elected or appointed Council member shall fail to take the prescribed oath within thirty days of his or her election or appointment, or in the event of death, resignation, removal from office or the succession of the Council President to the office of Mayor, the Mayor within the next two regularly scheduled City Council meetings, or at a special City Council meeting called for that purpose, shall appoint a qualified person to
complete the remaining term of the office vacated. Said appointment shall be confirmed by a majority of affirmative votes of the City Council members by roll call."

Image via city of Havre de Grace.