Council member Jones announces temporary resignation

(by Anne Holmes, staff writer - February 25, 2009)

Bexley city council member Robyn Jones announced Feb. 24 that she will resign her seat effective Feb. 28.

Jones' decision was based on economics, she said.

In order to be able to access her Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) she is required to resign from all public service.

According to OPERS rules, Jones may be reinstated to her seat immediately if council members so choose. City Attorney Lou Chodosh is researching how council may respond to the situation.

Jones' term is set to expire this year. A decision to run again has not been made. Before this situation came up she intended to seek re-election, she said.

"I hope that people understand that this is just financial necessity right now, and I don't have any intention on reneging on my obligation I made to the city," Jones said.

Jones told the board that she realizes that has put council members in a difficult situation because they don't have any obligation to her and must figure out how to handle the situation.

Jones was a high school teacher for 14 years in the Columbus Schools. Afterwards she worked as a lawyer for the Ohio Department of Taxation for 13 years and has been working in private practice with her brother since. Her combined retirement accounts fall under OPERS because she was in public service for the majority of her careers and service.

Jones has served as chair of the Finance Committee. Mark Messer, as vice chair, will assume the chairmanship.

In other news, the city reported it does not have a police contract yet and is waiting for the Fraternal Order of Police to begin negotiations.

Police Chief Lawrence Rinehart reported he has received a number responses to his request for block watches and looks forward to meeting with citizens.

Rinehart also reported that the new police building construction is going well and he wants to hold a sergeants meeting on the second floor soon.

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