Council member resigns after 7 months in office, saying she is moving out of Kennedale
Kennedale councilwoman Julie Jacobson, who held office for seven months, resigned Tuesday afternoon, stating that she is moving out of the city.
Jacobson resigned before a specially-called meeting to discuss hiring a new city manager.
In a letter emailed to council members and city officials, Jacobson said that she is moving from Kennedale and can no longer serve on the council.
“My father’s recent passing has affected my life in ways I did not anticipate. It has unavoidably dictated changes to my plans. Of these changes, it has become clear that consolidating into one location and home is necessary. Because of this, I will no longer have my residence in Kennedale, and must, therefore, announce my resignation from the Kennedale City Council,” Jacobson said in the letter.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram called Jacobson Wednesday afternoon to ask about her resignation, and the call was disconnected. Jacobson did not return a voice mail seeking comment.
Jacobson’s letter went on to say that she served for as long as her “residence” was in Kennedale and that she wanted to help with hiring a new city manager.
“It is important to hire a city manager who most values Kennedale’s interests and values; who will follow Councils’ directives instead of expecting Council to follow his,” Jacobson wrote.
According to Jacobson’s council Facebook page, she opened her law office in Kennedale in 2010 and lived in the city since 2014.
A post on her page said in part, “In today’s political theatre, and here at home in Kennedale, it is incumbent on the citizens to take back their communities; to ensure that government is held accountable for its policies and spending; to promote and better serve the community.”
Mayor Linda Rhodes said in an email to the Star-Telegram that Jacobson resigned shortly before Tuesday’s specially-called meeting to discuss appointing a new city manager.
She added that a city manager hasn’t been hired yet, and the council will hold a special meeting Dec. 14 to discuss the city manager position.
The council will also meet in the future to discuss filling the vacant seat, Rhodes said.