A Alderman Jim Suter will not serve the remainder of his term in Ward 2. During the July 19 Carlinville City Council meeting, it was declared he had abandoned his ward. Suter chose to move to a residence located in Ward 1. Suter, formerly of Hoehn Street in Ward 2,
recently moved into a home in Oakbrook. Alderman Dave Steiner made a motion which officially declared an absence in Ward 2 because Suter’s legal mailing address was not in the ward he represented.

     The Council voted in favor of the motion, 6-3. In addition to Steiner, aldermen John Koster, Randy Ober, Sonny Albertine, Brian Mitchell and Joe Direso voted to create the vacancy,
in effect, removing Suter from office. Aldermen Wes Loveless, J.R. LeVora and Coonrod voted present. “Thank you for your time and service to the city of Carlinville,” Council votes alderman out Mayor Bob Schwab said after then votes were cast.

     At least one alderman hoped there was a different result. “I wish we could’ve found a way around this,” Mitchell said after the vote. Prior to the vote, Suter asked the Council to allow him to remain on board. “I would like to stay as a Ward 2 alderman until the term expires,” he said. He represented Ward 2, along with Coonrod, and said he understands the issues in the ward. “We’ve kind of got a rapport with people over there,” he said. “I’d like for you to
consider keeping me on.”

Source: Macoupin County Enquirer-Democrat, July 29, 2010