By Greg Ellison

Staff Writer

(Oct. 8, 2020) After selling his home in barely a week’s time, Director Steve Tuttle informed the OPA Board this week he would resign after the group’s next meeting on Oct. 17.

OPA President Larry Perrone said selecting a replacement for Tuttle, who was elected in 2018 and is up for reelection in 2021, would take place just after the next regularly scheduled board meeting on Oct. 17.

“I’ll have to schedule a closed session meeting … so we can have those discussions and then make a decision,” he said. “It won’t be until after the October meeting.”

Perrone said it was still premature to talk about potential candidates to fill the seat.

“I’m assuming different members of the board will bring forward individuals that they would like to have considered then we’ll vote on it,” he said.

Perrone said with Tuttle ensconced until next weekend, ample time remained to source a new member.

“His letter said his resignation is effective after the board meeting on [Oct.] 17,” he said. “We have to have candidates that are interested in completing Steve’s term.”

The finally vote totals from the board election this August favored incumbents Doug Parks (2,206) and Dr. Colette Horn (1,801) over newcomer Stuart Lakernick (1,149) for a pair of openings.

When asked if Lakernick would be an obvious next in line selection, Perrone said the question remains open.

“There’s quite a bit of precedent,” he said. “There have been replacements quite often, but there’s no requirement for us to put that third person on the board.”

For his part Lakernick expressed surprise when learning of Tuttle’s announced departure.

“I’m stunned that he’s resigning and moving on,” he said.

Lakernick said he would like to be considered to fill the vacancy when Tuttle is gone.

“I would be honored to be considered for a spot on the board and to have the opportunity serve our community,” he said.

Lakernick said Tuttle would be sorely missed.

“The community is diminished with Steve’s departure,” he said. “He’s not only a good person, but he was a good director.”