UPDATE – February 29, 2016
In a twist of events, Councilman McLaughlin has rescinded his resignation and will continue on the Newport City Council.
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Original Story – February 25, 2016
Newport City Councilor At-Large Justin McLaughlin tendered his resignation from the Newport City Council on Thursday at around 3pm to Newport City Clerk Laura Swistak
On Wednesday, the city council voted 6-1 to appoint interim City Manager Joe Nicholson to the permanent City Manager position with Councilman McLaughlin as the lone dissenter. Reports from the meeting described McLaughlin as very displeased and he made vocal his desire to resign upon leaving the meeting.
Nicholson had been interim manager following City Manager Jane Howington’s resignation in June 2014 to take a job in Ohio.
McLaughlin was first elected to the council to represent Newport’s 2nd Ward in 2006 and served four terms before winning election as Councilor-At-Large in 2014.
McLaughlin was absent from Wednesday night’s Newport City Council meeting and a Thursday morning Council workshop. He has not yet responded to a request for comment.
By ordinance, the City Council has 30 days to name a replacement.
