Three Ashland aldermen resign Tuesday

Three alderman have resigned from their positions in Ashland, a city that has already seen numerous political problems.

On Tuesday, John Hills, Carl Long and David Thomas all submitted letters of resignation to the city.

In their letters, Hills and Long stated they had fulfilled their duties to appoint a new city administrator and new police chief and felt they no longer needed to serve in their roles.

Thomas resigned for personal reasons.

Because of the resignations, city business is officially halted due to a lack of quorum. The city requires four of the six aldermen positions be filled in order to conduct city business.

City administrator Josh Hawkins told ABC 17 News, mayor Gene Rhorer will have to call a meeting and appoint a new alderman.

Tuesday’s revelations are the latest chapter in the city’s troubled government over the past four months.

In September, Alderman Jeff Anderson was suspended for attempting to circumvent the board and for acting in a way inconsistent with his role as an alderman.

Anderson fought the suspension in court to get back on the board while city officials tried to impeach him.

A Boone County judge ordered the city to reinstate Anderson and last week, Ashland leaders made the final decision to not continue with his impeachment.

Mayor Rhorer also submitted his resignation in the fall, but a day later, he decided to go back to his position.