Ted Wightman

ARKWRIGHT — There is new leadership in the town.

Supervisor Ted Wightman submitted a letter of resignation last month and Chris Jackson, formerly deputy supervisor, will take on the top post.

Wightman turned his letter of resignation into the clerk on May 31. “With great regret, I have to step down from my position as supervisor for the town of Arkwright,” Wightman’s letter read. “There have been unforeseen changes in my employment and I will no longer be able to give the position the time and attention it demands.”

“All that it said in the letter was that he had more responsibility added to his job and that he had to step down,” said Chris Cannon, councilman. “It was a work-related resignation.”

This is Wightman’s first year on the Arkwright Town Board. In November of 2019, the Arkwright Democratic Committee and Wightman himself seemed excited to work with and for the town of Arkwright.

“The candidates believe it is time to bring professionalism, transparency and new ideas to the small town of 1,000 residents,” reads a statement from the Arkwright Democratic Committee in November to the OBSERVER. “With the population stalled, new growth limited and loss of working farms, Arkwright needs leaders that will think about the future as well as keeping roads safe and local taxes affordable for property owners.”

Wightman lasted in the supervisor position for five months. When elected, he pledged increased financial transparency and improved communication. “Respect for taxpayers is paramount. I will set a high standard for the Town Board and employees to ensure Arkwright residents are represented and we are well positioned for the future,” he said during his campaign in November.

Wightman also was on the ballot as a member of the Arkwright Advocates party. Candidates on the line represented Democrats, Independents, Republicans and no party affiliation.