CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) — A Cortland Common Council member has resigned.

In his letter of resignation, Fifth Ward Alderperson Seth Thompson cited ‘shifting career responsibilities’ that requires more of his time.

Alderperson Seth Thompson at the May 6, 2025 Cortland Common Council meeting

“This decision comes after careful consideration and is due to shifting career responsibilities that will require my full attention, as well as an upcoming relocation that will make it no longer possible for me to serve the residents of Cortland in the capacity they deserve,” Thompson wrote. His resignation is effective today, June 18.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve our community and work alongside such dedicated colleagues. I am pleased by what we have accomplished together and remain confident in the Council’s continued leadership and commitment to progress for the City of Cortland,” Thompson added in his letter.

In a letter to the Cortland County Board of Elections, Cortland’s city clerk Andrew Jewett said, “§ C2-8 of the City Charter provides that a vacancy of an elected office shall be filled by appointment by a majority of the Councilpersons within 30 days. Any person appointed to fill a vacancy shall be a member of the same political party as the person who vacated the office, and must be a qualified elector of the City of Cortland residing in the respective ward. According to Cortland County Board of Elections’ enrollment records, Mr. Thompson is enrolled in the Democrat Party. At such time as the Common Council makes an appointment to the vacant office, I will notify the Board of Elections.”

The appointed replacement would serve until December 31.  An election to fill the remainder of Thompson’s term, through the end of 2027, will be held Nov. 4, 2025.