Former Hobart Fifth District Councilman William Perryman says he “profoundly appreciates” the time he spent on the City Council.
In a letter Perryman provided to the Post-Tribune late Monday night, he said the decision to resign “reflects both a personal and professional transition that I believe is necessary for my personal reasons and family issues.” Perryman resigned from the seat February 21, Mayor Josh Huddlestun confirmed with the Post-Tribune previously.
“Serving the citizens of Hobart has been more than just a role; it has been an honor and a privilege,” Perryman wrote in the letter. “The responsibilities that came with representing the 5th District were not merely tasks to be completed but rather a calling that demanded dedication, empathy and a commitment to the common good.”
Perryman added that he spent “$8,405 in personal contributions from my council salary to more than two dozen local individuals and organizations,” and that he’s optimistic for the city’s future.
“The City of Hobart is poised for continued growth and development and I have every confidence in the capabilities of the council and the administration to navigate the challenges that lie ahead,” he wrote. “While I may no longer be a part of the decision-making process, my commitment to the betterment of our community remains unwavering.”
Huddlestun announced Perryman’s resignation on social media shortly after Perryman announced that he would announce “his position on the City Council” Feb. 24, also via social media.
Perryman, 51, was charged in January with Class A misdemeanor theft after, according to charging documents, he got caught stealing food from a Valparaiso Walmart.
Huddlestun said Perryman told him he was resigning earlier Friday and that he “supports his decision to focus on himself and his family.”
A probable cause affidavit said that at around 10:30 p.m. January 16, William Perryman, 51, was caught on surveillance tape bagging multiple grocery items before scanning them at self-checkout at the Walmart at 2400 E. Morthland Dr., the Post-Tribune previously reported. He then rang up one lower-priced item several times instead of everything in the bag, court records said.
At one point, Perryman had two steaks in a bag but only rang up one of them, the affidavit said. In all, his bill totaled $98.71.
Upon questioning, Perryman admitted he knew there were two steaks in the bag, according to the affidavit.
According to documents provided to the Post-Tribune, Perryman received a trespass warning citation dated Oct. 23 from the Portage Police because he reportedly tried to shoplift items from the Walmart there.
A caucus to fill Perryman’s seat will be held within 30 days of his resignation, Lake County Democratic Central Committee Chairman Jim Wieser previously told the Post-Tribune. Candidates vying for the seat have to file for it 72 hours before the caucus, the time and location of which has yet to be determined.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
