Ashland Loses City Councilor Shortly After Mayor Announced Resignation

City of Ashland Councilor, Shaun Moran, announced on Tuesday, via email to City Manager, Joseph Lessard, that he is resigning effective immediately.

The Council will have 60 days from January 24 to select an Ashland citizen to fill the vacant seat. The appointed individual will serve in this role until the next election in November 2024.

The Council will determine how they wish to fill the vacant positions of Mayor and City Councilor that are the result of Mayor Akins’ and Councilor Moran’s resignations, at a Special Called Business Meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Mayor Akins previously announced, also by email, on January 23, that she is resigning as of Friday, January 27. The Special Called meeting will be at the Council Chamber, 1175 E Main Street.

“We thank Councilor Moran for his service to the citizens of Ashland.” stated City Manager, Joseph Lessard. “The City of Ashland is a professional organization, and its staff will continue to provide uninterrupted services to the citizens of Ashland under the direction of the City Council — the City Council and staff will not miss a beat and will conduct its business as usual. It is important for our residents to know that we care about them and are looking forward to their participation in next Monday’s Town Hall Gathering. Let’s work together to identify priorities for the City over the next two to six years!”

The Town Hall on Monday, January 30, 2023, being held by the City Council is for citizens to help identify City priorities for the next two (2) to six (6) years. The gathering will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Historic Ashland Armory, located at 208 Oak St. in Ashland. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss potential City priorities in small group discussions with individual Councilors and vote for their top priority selections.