Franklin First District Ald. Ed Holpfer will resign at the end of June.
Holpfer was first appointed to the seat during a special council meeting in August 2021. He replaced Mark Dandrea, who resigned in July 2021 after his wife accepted a job offer that meant they would have to move.
Holpfer was directly elected to the position in the spring 2022 elections, defeating Deborah Davis.
“I am writing to announce my intention to resign as First District Councilor and from all related commissions, boards and commissions effective the end of the day on June 30, 2024,” Holpfer wrote in an email to Mayor John Nelson , City Attorney Jesse Wesolowski, Director of Administration Kelly Hersh and other councilors on June 4.
The brief email states that Holpfer has been balancing his personal schedule and obligations against the city calendar for a few weeks.
“Recent changes, which now include some extended out-of-state travel, would cause me to miss far too many council and related committee meetings to effectively serve in this role,” he wrote. “I think this is in the best interest of the residents.”
Holpfer said “it was truly an honor to serve” and he was grateful for what he and the council were able to accomplish together.
In addition to his legal duties, the City of Franklin website notes that Holpfer was assigned to multiple boards and committees, including the Community Development Authority, Civic Celebrations Committee, Finance Committee and Personnel Committee.
Franklin posted a message on the city’s website soliciting interest from residents for the alderman seat. Wisconsin statutes allow the council to fill the vacancy by appointment until the April 2025 election, when Holpfer’s term ends.
Letters will be accepted until July 1 at 5 p.m. Interested parties can mail them to “Common Council in care of the City Clerk” at 9229 West Loomis Road, Franklin, WI 53132.
Applicants may make a presentation to the Franklin Common Council at its July 9 meeting, where councilors will review all applications.
Contact Erik S. Hanley at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page, The red-headed runnerand follow him on X @Redheadliner.
This article originally appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Franklin Councilman Ed Holpfer resigns; city is looking for a replacement
