Ward 1 councilman resigns post; council fills position

NEW MADRID - After five years as Ward 1 city councilman, Vest Baker has resigned the post.

Baker submitted his resignation letter to Mayor Donnie Brown at Monday's city council meeting. In his letter, Baker explained he was moving outside the town's city limits.

"While I still own property, have ties to the city and own, operate a business here I believe it is in the best interest of the city to resign my position on the council and any subsequent boards and commissions," Baker wrote.

Baker went on to suggest someone to serve out his term and to best represent the people who elected him to office.

"This person should be one of moral character, and act with reason, sincerity of heart, and be responsible to the citizens of the ward and to the New Madrid community as a whole," he wrote. "After much discernment and deliberation, I submit to you my nomination of Jim Cravens."

According to City Administrator Chad Eggen, the Board also agreed with Baker's suggestion. Cravens is slated to be sworn in to office on Sept. 22 and will serve until the April election, when he would be eligible to seek a full two-year term.

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