Lincoln aldermen to select new mayor after incumbent quits

LINCOLN, Ill. (AP) - Aldermen in the central Illinois city of Lincoln are expected to meet this week to choose an acting mayor after the incumbent resigned last week, city officials said Monday.

In announcing his resignation Friday on social media, Mayor Seth Goodman blamed the political climate for his decision.

'œSince childhood real estate has always been my passion alongside improving the community,'ť wrote Goodman, who was elected mayor in 2017, defeating three opponents as a 29-year-old political newcomer. ``When the negativity and hate became too much to deal with, the choice had to be made to put myself and my business first."

The Lincoln City Council is scheduled to meet Tuesday evening, when the body will choose Goodman's replacement, aldermen said. Under the Illinois Municipal Code, city council members must choose a replacement from their ranks.

Alderman Tracy Welch announced plans in September to run for mayor. He said Monday he hopes to have support from his fellow aldermen to succeed Goodman.

Because the vacancy was created within 28 months of the next election, Goodman's replacement must serve out the remainder of his term.