LEWISTON — Zachary Pettengill has resigned as city councilor for Ward 2, according to a news release.

Zachary Pettengill

“The decision does not come lightly, but after much deliberation and careful consideration, I must face the facts and realize that I can no longer continue to ‘burn the candle at both ends,’” Pettengill said in a news release Friday. “After spending six years at City Hall, first as a Planning Board member and then a city councilor, I believe the time has come for me to step aside.”

Mayor Mark Cayer praised Pettengill’s efforts to represent residents as a councilman.

“Councilor Pettengill will be missed,” Cayer said in a news release. “His love of community and willingness to share years from his busy schedule to strengthen our community for the better is to be commended.”

With a municipal election, including council seats, scheduled for November, the City Charter outlines the process for appointment to fill a vacant councilor seat. “If a vacancy in the office occurs less than one year prior to the next regular municipal election, the remaining members of the council may appoint an eligible person to fill the unexpired term within 30 calendar days after the vacancy exists. If the council fails to make such appointment within said 30 calendar days, the mayor shall appoint an eligible person to fill the unexpired term within 10 calendar days thereafter,” the charter states.

Council President Michel Lajoie is accepting applications, which can be found at the City Clerk’s Office and at www.lewistonmaine.gov/publicboard. Applicants must be at least 20 years old and registered voters in Ward 2.

Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office no later than 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1.

The appointment is scheduled on the City Council meeting agenda for Sept. 7. The person appointed will serve until January 22.

Questions regarding the appointment procedure as well as the tasks and duties of a councilor may be directed to the City Clerk’s Office at 207-513-3124.