Hazen resigns Mishawaka council seat after being chosen for commissioner post
MISHAWAKA — Anthony "Tony" Hazen resigned his Mishawaka Common Council post on Monday night, two days after being selected to replace departing District 3 County Commissioner Deb Fleming on Jan. 31.
Council President Gregg Hixenbaugh announced that Hazen had submitted his resignation letter, commending him on his four years and one month serving as the council member from District 3.
"I appreciate the contribution that you've made to the work of the council," Hixenbaugh said. He cited Hazen's work in public safety negotiations and the work on getting adjustments in the funding allocations for the county dispatch center when it was developed.
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Hazen thanked the council members with whom he served during the past full four-year term and the month into his second term.
"You guys have been a class act," Hazen said of the council. "Everybody up here has done nothing but represent Mishawaka and whatever's best for Mishawaka, which I think that's hats-off for that, because in today's politics, sometimes you don't find that."
More: County Commissioner Fleming to resign Jan. 31 for health issue, family time
Hazen was the sole candidate before the GOP caucus last Saturday. Fleming is stepping down for health reasons, and the former Mishawaka police chief will serve the remaining 11 months of Fleming's term.
Council vacancy
Hazen's spot on the council will be decided by a Republican caucus of the eight precincts in his council district. Hazen said Monday night after the council meeting the date had not been set, and the Republican party has 30 days from Jan. 31 to select a replacement.
There is a 10-day waiting period, so the Mishawaka council could be without representation from Hazen's district for one or possibly two February meetings, depending on the selection for Hazen's replacement.
Tony Hazen's replacement, however, could be a person known to the city.
LouAnn Hazen, Tony's wife who ran for Mishawaka city clerk, said after Monday's meeting she was seeking the Common Council post. LouAnn Hazen was defeated by incumbent Democratic City Clerk Deborah Ladyga-Block in the November city elections.
LouAnn Hazen formerly served as longtime administrative assistant to Mayor Dave Wood.
Tony Hazen also has filed for the GOP nomination for the District 3 Commissioner seat in this spring’s primary. Hazen will join Republican Tom McCormick of North Liberty in seeking the District 3 commissioner nomination.
Email Tribune staff writer Greg Swiercz at gswiercz@sbtinfo.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Tony Hazen resigns council seat in Mishawaka for commissioner post
