By KATIE V. JONES
Councilmember Carl DeWalt (Ward 1) announced his resignation from the Laurel City Council on the evening of May 17.
“We thank him for his service,” Council President James Kole (Ward 1) said, in response. “He served faithfully for as long as he was in office.”
DeWalt was elected to his first term in November 2017. His current term ends Nov. 24, 2024. He previously served for 22 years as an officer with the Laurel Police Department. As of presstime, DeWalt had not responded to a request for comments.
Applications are now being accepted to fill the vacated seat on council. A special election will not be held, Kole said, as the city charter requires that an election be held only when there are two or more vacant seats.
Kole believes there are several residents interested in the position, including Connie Lucas and Stephen J. Wallace, who both ran for the seat in the last election. Interviews are tentatively scheduled to take place on June 10.
“My goal is to have someone in place by the end of June,” Kole said.
Applicants for the position must provide a letter of interest, a resume, a financial disclosure form and other documentation by noon on June 3. For a full list of requirements and forms, go to the city’s recruiting page at cityoflaurel.org/1922/ward-1-city-council-vacancy.website. Interested parties may also call the city clerk’s office for additional information at 301.725.5300 ext. 2120.
