Henderson councilwoman’s resignation will have to wait

Kathleen Vermillion announced her resignation from the Henderson City Council on Tuesday at the conclusion of a special meeting, but her colleagues and Mayor Andy Hafen cannot formally accept it until it's placed on the agenda for the council's Dec. 6 meeting.

The Review-Journal reported in Tuesday's paper Vermillion's decision to step down after 2½ years on the job . Her resignation is effective Jan. 1.

Vermillion cited a need to spend more time with her children and her charity, the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, as her reason for leaving.

But she isn't leaving the city she calls home.

"I love the city of Henderson," she said after Tuesday's meeting. "I always have and I will until the day I die. I will continue to support Henderson. I will continue to volunteer, just not to the degree I have since I was elected. I'm still a resident, I'm still a neighbor and a taxpayer."

Vermillion said she has "full faith and confidence" Hafen and the council will be diligent in choosing her replacement.

She said she would prefer the city hold a special election so voters can choose the next Ward 3 representative, but she conceded the economic downturn probably will preclude that from happening because special elections cost money.

City Communications Director Bud Cranor earlier Tuesday said he was uncertain what the process might be to replace Vermillion.

City Councilwoman Debra March was appointed, and it's likely that is the route the city will take this time around.

"We won't use the same process as last time," Cranor said. "But I'm sure the mayor and City Council will want to move quickly on this."

Contact reporter Doug McMurdo at dmcmurdo@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5512.