Filing may reopen for Jefferson City Council seat

Jefferson City Councilman Dave Griffith has announced plans to resign as he takes a position with the American Red Cross, leaving the 5th Ward with an uncertain future.

Griffith, whose first term is ending in April 2012, is the only candidate to have filed for the 5th Ward. The Red Cross, he said, has a policy stating employees can not be elected officials.

He said he still has to discuss the situation with Mayor Eric Struemph and City Administrator Nathan Nickolaus, but he probably will resign in early January.

Interim City Counselor Drew Hilpert said the council will appoint a replacement once Griffith's resignation is submitted. After that, he said there are two different scenarios, based on whether Griffith officially withdraws his candidacy in time.