County Council’s Nancy Matheny resigns

“It’s really been an honor and a privilege to work with all of you as well as the administration,” said St. Charles Councilman Nancy Matheny (District 3) after submitting her resignation from the Council on March 11 during its regular meeting.

Matheny and her husband are moving out of the district she represented and into St. Charles.  She said the move had been in the couple’s plans but she had thought it would happen a few years later. “It was a long-term plan but an opportunity came up and so we grabbed it.”

“With a heavy heart I want to thank you all for your hard work, your stubbornness, the fights, the camaraderie, and the friendship,” Matheny said.

However, County Executive Steve Ehlmann said that he hadn’t witnessed the strife that other government boards have and credited Matheny’s work. “I think it’s because you’re in that chair. By your example you’ve really helped raise the level of debate, and the tone and the tenor of the debate,” Ehlmann said. “I think you’re a good example of how people can disagree without being disagreeable.”

Council Chairman Terry Hollander (District 5) said, “Speaking for the entire council we will miss you greatly, Nancy. You have served the council in tremendous fashion.”

Matheny has been a council representative for her district since 2006.  She served as chairman in 2012 and as vice-chair in 2011.

The County Charter allows the county executive to recommend Matheny’s replacement, which the council must then approve.

Voters will select her replacement in the next general election. Ehlmann said this process saves the county $70,000 in holding a special election to fill a council vacancy.