Wilton mayor officially resigns

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By Pam Martz | Tuesday, October 10, 2006 1:44 AM CDT | () comments

WILTON, Iowa —Wilton Mayor Richard Summy, who is facing drug charges, resigned his position on Monday.

Mayor pro-tem Richard Garrison read a two-sentence letter of resignation from Summy during Monday’s city council meeting. Summy did not attend. The letter was unanimously accepted by the council with no comment.

Summy was arrested Sept. 28 on felony charges of conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, marijuana, and failure to affix a drug tax stamp. The arrest came while he attended a League of Iowa Cities meeting in Coralville. He was transported to the Polk County Jail where he posted a $19,500 bond.

One citizen, Ira Bowman, spoke out at Monday’s meeting.

“I’m disappointed in city council statements made in support of the mayor (Summy). To say he’s an honorable man, I wouldn’t agree. To say he’s a nice man, I wouldn’t agree with that,” Bowman said.

Garrison commended council members and city staff for the way they handled themselves under pressure.

“In the face of adversity, council stood strong and city council hasn’t missed a beat,” he said, adding, “It doesn’t matter if one of us is missing. The wheel still turns.”

The council didn’t discuss how it would replace Summy, although city attorney Jerry Denning says there are two options for filling the post. Council could appoint a mayor based on a valid petition or hold a special election. Denning says it’s too late to place any names on the November ballot. Garrison said council members need more time to work through all the scenarios.

Authorities with the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Narcotics Enforcement Division say Summy’s arrest was the result of a yearlong investigation.

Summy has entered a not guilty plea in Polk County. His arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 9.

The city desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2450 or newsroom@qctimes.com.

Letter of resignation

Date: October 5, 2006

To: Wilton City Council & Citizens of Wilton

In order for the City of Wilton to move forward, I have made the decision to resign as Mayor.

I have nothing but respect and admiration for all the Council Members and residents that I have served.

Best Wishes Always,

Dick Summy