By Katie Knapp Schubert
Omaha, NE – Omaha City Councilman Chuck Sigerson has resigned.
Sigerson represents District 7. He submitted a letter early Thursday to City Council President Garry Gernandt and Chief of Staff Warren Weaver notifying them of his resignation. Sigerson suffered a stroke and heart attack in late August. A timeline for his return to the Council was uncertain. City charter requires that the Council appoint a new representative if a Councilman cannot fulfill their duties for six consecutive months.
In the letter, Sigerson says he expects to recover fully from the stroke and heart attack. But he says his speech ability hasn't returned as quickly as other motor skills. Because of that, Sigerson says, he feels he can't effectively communicate the needs of his constituents. Sigerson's resignation is effective March first.
It's up to the City Council to appoint a replacement for Sigerson. He was elected in 2009 to a third term on the Council.