It was with regret Monday night that the Great Bend City Council accepted the resignation of First Ward Council Member Edwin Roberts.
Roberts had submitted a letter announcing his plans to step down due to health issues. His term of office would have ended this April.
“It is with much regret that I have to resign my position as a City Council member,” his letter read. “I thank all the others that carried my work. I have been out and to the hospital with heart problems.”
He complemented the work of his council peers. And, “if I get better, I would be glad to help with outside projects.”
As for the vacancy, City Administrator Howard Partington said since the election to fill the seat is coming up in April, the council may not try to appoint someone to the post. Roberts’ announcement came early enough, it should serve as a notice and may encourage interested First Ward residents to file.
Roberts is retired and has worked in an oil patch-related business and law enforcement. He was a relative new comer to Great Bend when he was elected in April 2013.