By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Niles Daily Star
CASSOPOLIS – Some residents in Cassopolis may have finally got their wish. Walter Malone has been reported to have resigned his position on the village council to which he was appointed, as he has moved out of state.
Village Manager Kevin Gillette said as of Wednesday afternoon, no resignation had yet been received.
At nearly every village council meeting for the past few months, during the public comments, residents asked Malone to resign.
Malone made news when he initiated a successful recall that removed Julia Bell as president and some council members.
Later he was charged by the Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz for having signed petitions he did not circulate.
Malone is presently one of the council members being targeted in a recall initiated by Shirley Hawkins, the wife of Councilman Vince Hawkins.
Also on the list for potential recall are President Michelle Andrews and trustees Tim Swenor, Clare Mallo and Bob Yoder.
A clarity hearing in Cass County Law and Courts building Wednesday morning did not accept the language in the recall petitions. Hawkins did not have to prove whether the wording is actually true.
Another recall would have cost the village in the neighborhood of $3,000.
The next village council meeting is set for Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.
If the resignation of Malone is received and accepted, the council would then appoint someone to fill the remainder of Malone's term.