By PAULENE POPARAD

Porter Town Council president Bill Sexton resigned from the board unexpectedly Tuesday effective Aug. 31 unless his successor is chosen sooner.

“Sometimes people’s lives and priorities change. While I thoroughly enjoy what I’m doing and look forward to the involvement, it’s time for me to change the way I do things,” he said. After the meeting Sexton, 61, said his decision was “kind of a sudden thing; it wasn’t planned.”

The announcement comes on the heels of a similar one last week by Sexton’s wife, Zathoe, who resigned from the Porter Park Board saying she had too many obligations. Tuesday, Bill Sexton told the Town Council audience his and his wife’s lives are packed full of things for other people and it’s time to do something for themselves.

Sexton, a Republican, was in the first year of his second term having served since 2004. His replacement will be chosen by a caucus of town GOP precinct committeepersons. Town Council candidates must live in the 1st District on Porter’s east side.

Sexton apologized that his feelings didn’t become apparent prior to his re-election. His departure leaves council members Dave Babcock, Michele Bollinger, Micheal Genger and Jon Granat all having started their first term Jan. 1.

Sexton said he will maintain a home in town and be around, and agreed to organize a golfing fundraiser in 2009 for the planned July 4 Porter festival as he and his wife did this year for the town’s sesquicentennial.

Genger said he regretted Sexton is stepping down. “Your wealth of knowledge to us --- you’ve been a good example to the town.” Genger said council members had been advised earlier of Sexton’s intention to resign.

“I’ll be here at least another month and a half,” said Sexton, who served as council president most of his years in office. He currently is president of the Porter Redevelopment Commission as well.

The Town Council also is seeking a Republican to replace Zathoe Sexton on the Park Board.

Posted 7/23/2008