HdG Councilwoman Steps Down As She Takes New Job

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — Havre de Grace Councilwoman Monica Worrell is stepping down, as she is moving up in her career. She has accepted a position with the Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union (APGFCU) as director of business development for Harford County.

"In accepting this position, I made a personal choice to step down from Havre de Grace City Council," Worrell posted on Facebook after making the announcement at Monday night's council meeting. "I felt it was important to ensure that the general public always understood who I was representing and when I was representing them."

Worrell, who has been a member of the Havre de Grace City Council since 2015, has worked in public relations for the Harford County Sheriff's Office, Advanced Eye Care and the hotel and restaurant industry.

She ran for District 34A state delegate but was defeated in the Republican primary by incumbent Delegate Glenn Glass and J.D. Russell, of whom she fell 15 votes shy.

Worrell, who also ran for county council in 2014 before joining the Havre de Grace City Council, has said that when one door closes, another opens. After the state delegate race did not pan out, her career move did.

Her new job will begin next week, The Aegis reported, and the mayor now has to appoint a successor to fill the seat left vacant by Worrell on the council.

Havre de Grace Mayor William T. Martin said in a statement that Worrell would be "greatly missed," and he has confidence she will make a "powerful impact" wherever she is.

"Our community is forever grateful for her service," Martin said. "Since her first day on council, she has been a leader, an amalgam of conviction and civic mindedness. During her tenure, she has always spoken and stood up for what she believes in."

The mayor continued: "She played an intricate role in helping Havre de Grace achieve its Sustainable Maryland certification and passionately championed legislation that improved public safety, the environment and economic development."

Added Martin: "In accordance with section 57 of the City Charter, in the upcoming weeks, I will submit to the City Council my nomination for their approval to fill the current vacant council position."

The Havre de Grace City Charter says the mayor must appoint someone to fill the position "within the next two regularly scheduled City Council meetings, or at a special City Council meeting called for that purpose."

A majority of the City Council must vote to affirm the appointment, according to the code, which outlines that the appointee will fill the remaining part of Worrell's term, which ends in 2019.

Photo courtesy of the city of Havre de Grace.