Truesdale Alderman Shalene Blackwood resigned her elected office last week, after 10 years as a member of the board of aldermen.In her resignation letter to the city, Blackwood said she is moving to a home in the Marthasville area, and therefore is stepping down from her position as an alderman for Truesdale.“I have enjoyed serving you all for the last 10 years and hope my work has benefited the citizens of Truesdale,” Blackwood wrote. “It has been a great learning experience and I have appreciated everyone’s help as we all work toward a better community.”Blackwood was the longest-serving current member of the board of aldermen, first elected to a one-year term in 2009. She previously served as the board president, and was the city’s current representative on a regional transportation committee.Truesdale Mayor Chris Watson said Blackwood was a valued member of the board of aldermen because of her experience, and because she brought a different perspective as the sole female member of the board.“The age range (between aldermen) and diversity helped out a lot when it came to making decisions. It was a perfect mix of different people’s thoughts and opinions on how things should be done,” Watson commented.Watson said he hopes a new alderman will be appointed to replace Blackwood by the end of April, so that upcoming projects can be considered by a full board.Blackwood stepped down a week before the April 2 municipal election, in which three candidates were competing for two other seats on the board of aldermen. Incumbents Stanley Brookshier and Robert Green sought re-election, while resident Jerry Cannon pursued a seat on the board for the first time.Prior to the results of the election, in which Green and Cannon took the most votes, Watson said he and the aldermen discussed that whoever took third place in the election could be appointed to Blackwood’s seat.“I would hate for somebody to be interested in (serving) and not get elected, and then we appoint somebody else,” Watson explained. “I feel if you’re going to run for the position, your intentions are going to be good for the city, and you’re interested in being a part and seeing the growth of it.”Replacement aldermen are nominated by the mayor and approved by the board of aldermen.When Brookshier or another candidate fills Blackwood’s seat, that person will serve for a year, until the next municipal elections in April 2020. They would then have to run for a new, two-year term.

Shalene Blackwood, center, receives recognition at her last meeting as a Truesdale alderman from the city’s mayor and other board members. Blackwood was presented with an award for her 10 years of service March 27 at Truesdale City Hall.

Record photo/Adam Rollins