LAKE PARK, MINN. (KFGO-AM) - Embattled Lake Park, Minnesota Mayor Aaron Wittnebel has resigned. Monday night, the city council officially accepted his resignation that was received by the city clerk Friday. Wittnebel has been a no show at council meetings for the past five months.
Wittnebel had been under fire since last summer when he was charged with stealing from his sister, a vulnerable adult. following a plea deal, the City Council passed a resolution of no confidence and several hundred residents signed a petition asking wittnebel to resign.
Vice mayor Jon Anderson will continue as interim mayor until a new mayor is appointed. Applications are being accepted until February 2. A new mayor is expected to be selected at the next regular council meeting February 9. The city is not required to hold a special election because Wittnebel had less than two years remaining on his term.
Wittnebel is also set to stand trial later this month on a charge of driving after revocation stemming from a 2010 conviction in Clay County. He was allegedly spotted driving a car several months ago by an off-duty police officer.