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Fairborn Deputy Mayor Jim Hapner has resigned and is moving to Florida to be closer to family.
Hapner’s resignation was effective Sept. 1 — with four months left in his term — after his condominium in Fairborn sold sooner than expected, he said.
Hapner, 64, and his wife, Nancy McMahan, plan to make the move to the Orlando area next week. The couple was honored by the city at his final council meeting Aug. 17.
“It’s not due to health reasons or political reasons,” Hapner said. “It’s strictly how things came down with us moving. We had every intention of moving to Florida late this year anyhow.”
Hapner was appointed to Fairborn City Council in April 2006, then ran successfully twice. He had planned to serve out his current term.
“It’s been a roller coaster ride,” Hapner said. “I can’t say it’s been easy, but I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot of things. The people that elected me know that I voted with my conscience and I basically did what the folks of Fairborn asked me to do as an elected official.”
Mayor Dan Kirkpatrick said council at Tuesday’s meeting will fill the deputy mayor position from the current members for the remainder of the year.
It will not look to appoint an individual to fill Hapner’s seat on council, since his term was up this year and he was term limited.
“Jim did a great job,” Kirkpatrick said. “I’m happy for him. It’s unfortunate for us, but I’m glad he was able to do the right move for him and his family. He was very supportive, worked real hard and kept up with things like all council members do.”
Hapner — a Fairborn resident the last 25 years — served on the Mayor’s Beautification Committee, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals, prior to his time on council. He retired in 2011 after 43-plus years in the funeral business.
“I leave the city with my head held high,” Hapner said. “I hope the best for the citizens and the city. I’m going to leave a lot of good friends, and I’m going to make a lot of new friends.”
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