Vermont Business Magazine Pam Mackenzie has resigned from the South Burlington City Council, effective today, October 15. Mackenzie has been a lightning rod on several high-profile issues. She ascended to chair of the council as a pro-F-35 member and was able to reverse the council's stance from opposing the F-35 to supporting the jet fighter. The US Air Force subsequently awarded the Vermont Air Guard, located at the Burlington International Airport, the fighter wing. The airport is located in South Burlington. She also was chair of the Vermont PBS board and was involved in closed door meetings that ultimately led to the resignation of then VPT President John King and to a reprimand of the station by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, in July 2014, for holding those meetings without proper notice.
Pam Mackenzie speaks during the F-35 ceremonies in December 2013, with Senator Leahy, Governor Shumlin and Adjutant General Cray. VBM photo.
Mackenzie's resignation came in a letter datedOctober 15, 2014, from Mackenzie to South Burlington City Manager Kevin Dorn.
“It is my understanding that Pam has a very attractive professional opportunity out-of-state that she has accepted. On behalf of all of our City staff I want to wish Pam the very best of luck in her future endeavors and thank her for her leadership and service to the community,” said Dorn.
“As a member and on behalf of the Council I want to thank Pam for her service to the people of South Burlington and her leadership on the Council,” said Pat Nowak, Vice Chair of the Council. “We wish her well as she moves forward with her career and would like to recognize her significant commitment and contribution to the betterment of our City,” said Nowak.
The Council will meet soon to consider a process to fill the vacancy created by Mackenzie’s resignation. The Council member appointed to fill the vacancy will serve until the Annual City Meeting in March when the voters will elect a Council member to serve the remaining balance of Mackenzie’s term.
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