Springfield City Councilman Ron Boatright has resigned his post, and the city is moving to fill his seat.

Mayor Barton Alderman announced Boatright’s resignation at Tuesday night’s city council meeting.

 “I have a letter that I’d just assume not read, but I have to,” Alderman said. “Mayor and city councilmen, it is with regret that I tender my resignation as Springfield City Councilman effective immediately. Sincerely, Ron Boatright.

“I really hate to accept this, but I understand his reasoning,” Alderman said. “This leaves us with an opening on city council.”

The mayor said the council could put the seat on the ballot.

“But the way I understand it, if we elect somebody to fill Ron’s unexpired term they would not be able to take the seat until January, and that still leaves us with six months with a vacancy,” Alderman said.

“I think we owe it to the voters to have a full council.”

Alderman asked council members to come up with names to select someone to appoint to fill the remainder of the term.

“I just have one comment about Mr. Boatright,” Kenny Usher said. “He is an outstanding gentleman. In the little bit of time I’ve served with him I’ve learned a lot, and he set a good example.

“I’m sorry to hear that he has had to resign. Springfield is losing a fine representative.”

Boatright was appointed to the seat in 2004. His term does not expire until 2009.

“He’s done his job while on council, and he’s shown a lot of interest for a couple years before that,” Alderman added. “We’re going to miss him.”