Madison alderman resigns to take PSC job

MADISON — Madison Alderman-at-large Lisa Clingan-Smith has resigned after 17 years in her elected position so she can join the Mississippi Public Service Commission.

The Clarion-Ledger reports Clingan-Smith submitted her resignation to Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler and the Board of Aldermen on Tuesday. Clingan-Smith is starting work Nov. 1 with the Mississippi Public Service Commission in a federally funded position.

Under the federal Hatch Act, Clingan-Smith said she can not serve in her elected capacity while on the federal payroll as a special staff chief for the PSC.

City Attorney John Hedglin said the board could not set the date of the election at the same meeting it accepted Clingan-Smith’s resignation. A special board meeting will be called within 10 days to name an election date.