NEW PALESTINE — Longtime New Palestine Town Council member Larry Jonas plans to step down at the end of this year.
Jonas, who has been on the council for nearly 20 years and is the current council president, told the board during a recent meeting he will soon move and therefore must vacate his council seat.
His replacement will be chosen by the Hancock County Republican Party.
Jonas will serve until his replacement is identified, town attorney Gregg Morelock said.
Jonas started on council in January 1999.
He has severed on the town’s three-person council in many capacities, including as president and vice president.
Jonas said he has enjoyed serving the town and that his resignation will give the council a chance to get a new face and fresh voice on board.
“It’s just time,” Jonas said. “They can get somebody in here with new thoughts and different ideas.”
Town manager Dave Book said he was disappointed to hear Jonas is stepping down.
He said Jonas has been instrumental in helping the town grow while preserving its small-town charm.
“I hate to see him go,” Book said.
