“I want to go to volleyball practices in the evenings, stop by my grandparents’ house when I have free time, and hang out with friends without the stress over the next hot topic item in Middletown falling on my shoulders.”
The council member, elected in November 2021, and his new wife purchased a home outside the city limits in Warren County on Aug. 1, according to Warren County recorder’s office records.
Ferrell said ahead of Tuesday’s council meeting he is “mentally exhausted” and would step away from that meeting so “(council) can discuss a plan for the city to go on without me. I’m not a hero and I don’t need a farewell party tonight, I’m nothing more than a regular guy that served his city when called.”
Kristy Duritsch, executive director at Safety Council of Southwestern Ohio, told the Journal-New she did inquire at the end of July about Ferrell’s status on council and the process to replace due to his marriage and home purchase.
“I had a simple question and I sent the email,” Duritsch said. That email was sent to the clerk of council.
She said there was talk about a possible residency issue, “but no one would ask. So I said I would.”
Duritsch said she was told when there was an answer, she would be informed.
The Journal-News has requested copies of the emails.
Ferrell said in his letter of resignation, I’ve committed 20-plus hours a week to this job over the course of three years, and I don’t have it in me anymore. If I can’t be fully committed and fully vested, it’s time for someone else to come in and take my place.”
Ferrell pointed to the accomplishment of his goals while in office, including new construction on Roosevelt and the old Lincoln School site, the aquatic center construction, Robert “Sonny” Hill community center renovations, the groundbreaking of Renaissance Pointe and buying the Towne Mall for “site control.”
Other accomplishments include the addition of five more police officers, securing funds to tear down the paperboard factory, the renovations of multiple parks that hadn’t been touched in so many years, “and last but not least, the shutdown of Hollywoodland,” Ferrell said in the email.
“I sold my house in Madison Twp. to come back to Middletown to run for council and I don’t regret one second of it. I will continue to invest into this community and grow and develop my city the best way I know how,” he said. “Thank you goes out to all my family and friends along with so many business leaders that have sat and spent time with me to help me be a better vice mayor.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Elizabeth Slamka said “it is with sadness that we announce the resignation of Councilman Zack Ferrell. He sent out an email to us this afternoon. A beautiful email citing ... it is effective immediately.”
Council has 30 days to name a replacement.
People can submit a letter of interest and a resume to the city to be considered for appointment to fill the remainder of the unexpired term that expires Dec. 31, 2025.
Candidates must live within the city, be a registered voter and at least 18 years old. Please include your full legal name and current residential address on your letter. These letters of interest and resumes should be emailed to Clerk of Council, Amy Schenck at amys@cityofmiddletown.org or delivered to the City Council office located at 1 Donham Plaza, Second Floor, Middletown, Ohio 45042 before 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. Applications will be reviewed and considered by City Council and in-person interviews will be scheduled
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