Forest Grove teacher and former Cornelius City Councilor John Colgan's resignation on Friday from the city council came via text message to the city's mayor and city manager, News in the Grove learned Monday.
Colgan's remarks about the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk ricocheted across social media, and he was suspended from his teaching position at Neil Armstrong Middle School while an investigation into his conduct was launched, the Forest Grove School District said.
"I feel that it is in the best interest of the city of Cornelius fore [sic] to resign from council effective immediately. I am sorry for the harm that my comment has caused to our citizens and staff," Colgan wrote in a group message to Cornelius Mayor Jeffrey Dalin and City Manager Peter Brandom on Friday, Sept. 12 at 1:48 p.m.
Following the resignation, Brandom sent a text message to the remaining city councilors and the mayor.
"All, based on the impact of recent events, Councilor Colgan has elected to resign as City Councilor, effective immediately," Brandom said. He included the text of Colgan's resignation.
Brandom added that he would be in touch with city councilors in the coming days "regarding next steps."
Colgan's departure leaves a hole in the city council to be filled by appointment by the majority of the remaining councilors.
According to the Cornelius City Charter, Colgan's seat will become vacant only after the city council declares the seat vacant.
The Cornelius City Council typically meets monthly on the first Tuesday, but councilors could call a meeting sooner. City code calls for a "prompt" determination of a vacancy.
Colgan was elected to his current four-year term on the November 8, 2022 election, and would have served through the end of 2026.
The person appointed to fill the seat will serve the remainder of Colgan's term.
The process for appointment is outlined in the city municipal code.
As of Monday evening, the Forest Grove School District had not released any further information about their investigation into Colgan. An email to the district's spokesperson seeking a timeline and more information was not returned.
The Forest Grove School Board is scheduled to meet next on Sept. 23.
