At the advice of his physician, Herb Atchison resigned as Mayor of the City of Westminster on May 3. Mr. Atchison announced his decision at the conclusion of the Westminster City Council Study Session that evening.

Mr. Atchison expressed his appreciation to the community for the opportunity to serve them in a variety of capacities for more than four decades. He served on numerous boards and commissions and was first elected to Westminster City Council in 1997. “I am especially grateful to the employees of the City of Westminster,” stated Atchison. “I have enjoyed serving alongside them. They are dedicated to the community and provide excellent service.”

In accordance with the Westminster City Charter, Anita Seitz, formerly Mayor Pro Tem, will fulfill the remainder of Atchison’s term as Mayor of the City of Westminster. As the council transitions following his resignation, Mr. Atchison “wishes the Westminster City Council the best as they move forward in service to our community.”

With the Mayor resigning his seat, what happens next?

Mayor Pro Tem Anita Seitz is now Acting Mayor. In accordance with WMC 1-10-1(D) and Charter Section 3.18, due to the timely resignation by the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem Anita Seitz will be sworn in as Mayor on May 10 and will hold that position until the next regular election (November 2021). At said election, a Mayor shall be elected for a four-year term. 

When Mayor Pro Tem Anita Seitz assumes the office of Mayor on May 10, her current seat becomes vacant and is subject to filling for the remainder of the unexpired term (2½ years) under Charter 5.7 and WMC 1-11-4. Such a vacancy is filled by a majority vote of remaining members of City Council.