There's an open spot on town council in Essex.
Ward 3 councillor Bill Caixeiro is stepping down from his seat.
Mayor Ron McDermott was emotional in reading a prepared statement from the councillor at the beginning of Tuesday night's meeting, making official Caixeiro's resignation.
"Bill Caixeiro has notified us that he must resign from council for personal reasons," read McDermott.
As part of McDermott's address, he highlighted Caixeiro's request for privacy "for at least a couple of weeks" as the mayor put it.
Caixeiro's resignation seems to have hit the mayor hard.
"It was back when I lost my wife — the guy was there every day, every night just like he was a family member," says McDermott. "At that time he was a council member. He's like family to me."
McDermott says council will support Caixeiro in his decision to resign — whatever the reason.
"I hope it's not sickness. I don't know very much about it other than the letter he sent," says McDermott.
Bill Caixeiro resigned his position as councillor for Ward 3 in Essex on July 4, 2017. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Fellow Ward 3 councillor Larry Snively says the resignation surprised all of council.
"It's very upsetting because Bill [Caixeiro] is very, very active with council; he's involved with all the committees and he put 100% in. I don't know what the reason is, it was a shock," says Snively.
The resignation seem to come out of no where.
"As a matter of fact, I was at Bill's house yesterday for about half an hour talking to him, he was laughing and joking with me, he never let on anything was going on — it's a shock."
The resignation blindsided McDermott.
"I can't believe it. I was just with him a few days ago. Now I understand why he didn't call me all weekend," says McDermott. "He calls me at least once a day."
Essex Councillor Bill Caixeiro has resigned (Photo by AM800's Ricardo Veneza)
Snively doesn't think the tumultuous nature of this council has pushed Caixiero out.
"I really don't think there was any falling out whatsoever," says Snively. "I'm going to talk to Bill probably this week. I know he wants to be by himself and his family, but I'd like to know the reason to be honest with you — there's more to it, I think there's more to it."
McDermott understands council meetings have been frustrating and at-times contentious, but isn't sure exactly what is behind Caixeiro's departure.
"We haven't been the best council to be a part of — could that be it? I don't know, I really don't," says McDermott. "I spent four days with him at the police convention last week, he was talking about running for the deputy mayor's position and everything — [Caixeiro's resignation] right out of the blue."
BREAKING: Resignation of Essex councillor Bill Caixeiro announced #cklw pic.twitter.com/UxgdAuRcax
— Ricardo Veneza (@RicardoVeneza) July 4, 2017
Caixeiro was re-elected to council in 2014 after serving a term from 2003 to 2006.
Council has now formally declared the seat vacant and a report is due back at its July 17 meeting to go over options to fill the empty seat.
A by-election will be among the options, but many on council favour making an appointment.