Updated 2/28/2019 with comments from Greg Costello.Alderman Greg Costello, who represents Warrenton Ward 1, is resigning his seat effective March 1.Costello was appointed to represent Ward 1 in June 2017 after the resignation of then-Alderman Karen Casserly. He was then elected in 2018 to finish the second year of Casserly’s term of office.Now, Costello is resigning a month before he was set to be succeeded by a new representative. He did not file for re-election in municipal voting this April 2.The sole candidate for the Ward 1 office is Cheryl Dyer.In a letter of resignation, Costello said recent travel has limited his participation in city government.“The increasing amount of out-of-state travel and the limited number of meetings that I have been able to recently attend are the major factors in making the decision to vacate my seat,” Costello explained. “I firmly believe this is the right decision for our citizens, the city and myself.”Costello told The Record that he and his partner, Kathy, have been traveling the southern United States after she retired from 32 years in the telephone industry.“This has always been our plan. This is going to be our lifestyle as long as our health holds out,” Costello explained.Costello has served decades in city office as both mayor and alderman. During his most recent time in office, the city completed major projects to build a new aquatic center and a second Interstate 70 interchange. Warrenton has also drawn new businesses including Rural King and Schnucks.Costello credited his fellow aldermen and city staff for the success of those projects, with a lot of hard work before he was ever asked to rejoin the board.“The best thing about serving this time has been the cooperation and teamwork that I see on this current board. I’m sure that will continue,” he commented.Costello’s advice for city leaders who come after him is to come in with an open mind and learn the details of city administration.The person looking to replace Costello as Ward 1 alderman, Cheryl Dyer, is the wife of the late Mayor Jerry Dyer. Costello expressed great confidence that Cheryl Dyer will serve the city well, as she is familiar with city operations and has decades of human resources experience.In his resignation letter, Costello said that confidence extends to the rest of his fellow city leaders.“My decision was ... much easier knowing the strong leadership team that the city has in our mayor, aldermen, city administrator, staff and employees,” Costello said.Warrenton city hall signGreg Costello