Hope Town Council president steps down

Hope Town Council President Ed Johnson stepped down from his leadership role at Tuesday night's council meeting. However he plans to continue in his role as a regular member. 

With his voice breaking, Johnson cited the continuing health problems of his wife as the reason for the change, saying that he can not spend the time the job needs. Barb Johnson, director of the Yellow Trail Museum, has been incapacitated from complications from back surgery, her husband said. She is currently at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. Ed Johnson said that hopes were that she would soon be moved to a back and spine rehab facility, but that does not look like it will happen this week, based on recent setbacks. 

After accepting Johnson's resignation as president, the council moved ahead with new leadership. Councilwoman Nellie Meek nominated Ohmer Miller to serve as the new council president. That measure passed the council 3-2, with Meek, Miller and Johnson voting in favor. Council members Clyde Compton and Jerry Bragg voted against Miller's new role. 

No reason was given for Compton and Bragg's votes against Miller, however Compton and Miller have clashed on several issues, including those revolving around the town's liability insurance, which had been brokered through Miller's company until recently.

Johnson, Meek and Bragg are Democrats, while Compton and Miller are Republicans.