Plank Denies Resignation Rumors

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer-

Warsaw Mayor Jeff Plank, in his 13th year with the same title, denies rumors that he plans to resign Jan. 1.

The four-term Republican mayor who hinted shortly after last year's election that he might not fill out the entire four-year term, said he has no plans to resign in the near future.

Plank and others have heard the same talk - that he will resign effective Jan. 1 to take a job in the private sector.

"That's absolutely not true," said Plank.

The talk has included speculation that city councilman Mac Silveus would likely be appointed by Republican leaders to fill out the remaining term.

Silveus, who turned 75 earlier this week and recently served as interim mayor while Plank was on vacation, said he's heard the talk, but said he doesn't consider it a serious issue.

Silveus declined to say whether he would be interested in serving as an interim mayor. "I hope Jeff finishes out his term," he said.

If and when he does prepare to resign - or retire - as he calls it, Plank said he will give city officials several months' notice before leaving office. "That would only be fair," he said recently.

Plank said he has walked away from good opportunities in the past, and will look closer at any that pass his way in the future.

For a dozen years, Plank has maintained a busy schedule, but is now placing more emphasis on being with his family. Although he has been active in Little League, he coached his own team for the first time this year.

As a result, he sidestepped several occasions and activities he normally would make part of his schedule.

He said he plans to devote more time in the future to his family, even if that means participating in fewer public appearances.

Plank and his wife, Jodene, have three children. Those include Ryan, a junior at Notre Dame, and Andy, a junior in high school. Their youngest, Justin, 13, was born months after Plank became mayor in 1983.

"My family is more important to me than this job," Plank said.

"I'm only 48, but you have a tendency to become a little bit more reflective. My family has been very supportive, and I intend to reciprocate."

Plank said his wife is looking forward to the end of his reign over city hall.

"Yes. Without question," he said. "She would like a simpler and quieter life." [[In-content Ad]]

Warsaw Mayor Jeff Plank, in his 13th year with the same title, denies rumors that he plans to resign Jan. 1.

The four-term Republican mayor who hinted shortly after last year's election that he might not fill out the entire four-year term, said he has no plans to resign in the near future.

Plank and others have heard the same talk - that he will resign effective Jan. 1 to take a job in the private sector.

"That's absolutely not true," said Plank.

The talk has included speculation that city councilman Mac Silveus would likely be appointed by Republican leaders to fill out the remaining term.

Silveus, who turned 75 earlier this week and recently served as interim mayor while Plank was on vacation, said he's heard the talk, but said he doesn't consider it a serious issue.

Silveus declined to say whether he would be interested in serving as an interim mayor. "I hope Jeff finishes out his term," he said.

If and when he does prepare to resign - or retire - as he calls it, Plank said he will give city officials several months' notice before leaving office. "That would only be fair," he said recently.

Plank said he has walked away from good opportunities in the past, and will look closer at any that pass his way in the future.

For a dozen years, Plank has maintained a busy schedule, but is now placing more emphasis on being with his family. Although he has been active in Little League, he coached his own team for the first time this year.

As a result, he sidestepped several occasions and activities he normally would make part of his schedule.

He said he plans to devote more time in the future to his family, even if that means participating in fewer public appearances.

Plank and his wife, Jodene, have three children. Those include Ryan, a junior at Notre Dame, and Andy, a junior in high school. Their youngest, Justin, 13, was born months after Plank became mayor in 1983.

"My family is more important to me than this job," Plank said.

"I'm only 48, but you have a tendency to become a little bit more reflective. My family has been very supportive, and I intend to reciprocate."

Plank said his wife is looking forward to the end of his reign over city hall.

"Yes. Without question," he said. "She would like a simpler and quieter life." [[In-content Ad]]

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