New Baltimore Councilman Zack Stanton Resigns

New Baltimore Councilman is stepping down from his first-term seat.

"Serving the People of New Baltimore has been one of my life's great honors – one I will never forget. It is with some regret that effective on Tuesday, August 28th, I will step down from my position on city council to fulfill work-related responsibilities in Washington, D.C.," Stanton said in a prepared statement.

Stanton, who received the , is the son of author and Voice Newspaper co-founder Tom Stanton and children's storyteller Beth Bagley-Stanton. The communications/new media consultant has described himself as a "hometown kid" who wants to see the city live up to its potential.

"I have been humbled time and again by the graciousness and good-heartedness of many in our community – volunteers of all generations, from the Macks to the Gingases; from the Hepps to the Paparellis.

"Far more than any elected official, they represent the true spirit of this town; far more than any politician, they will leave a lasting legacy and help to make our town an even better place," he wrote.

Stanton has championed the and publicly . The , but city officials said they would still like amendments made to the 1970s document.

"Since my birth in 1985, New Baltimore has been my home. Going forward, regardless of where I live, I will continue to call it my home. Even as I leave the city in the capable hands of my colleagues on city council, I do so firm in the belief that New Baltimore can become a better place – one with greater government transparency, more effective use of economic development tools, and a higher quality of life.

"I still hope for a New Baltimore as good as its promise," he stated.