1. Longest tenure. Williams is Dayton's current longest-serving city commissioner, with 16 years in office. He won re-election in November and just began his fifth term on commission in January.
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2. Quick primary. His resignation so soon into a new term now will trigger a short turnaround on an election to replace him.
The city commission will meet in special session Friday and likely will approve a May 8 election. City charter dictates that vacancies be filled by special election 60 to 90 days after the vacancy occurs. The May date falls within that, but candidates will have to collect 500 signatures on petitions by March 9.
3. Other job. The work of city commisioner often is a part-time job, and Williams said his new full-time work — Dayton market president for KeyBank, announced just days after November's election — requires more travel than expected, which means he misses more commission meetings.
4. Honor of a lifetime. Williams, fighting back tears as he announced his resignation, said, "To serve my community has been a thrill and honor of a lifetime."
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5. Money matters. Fellow commissioners praised Williams for his leadership and financial advice.
“When (people) go back and look at the history of the city the last decade and more, they are going to point to you as maybe the main reason we as a commission was able to lead and bring the city out of one of the worst crises we’ve ever seen,” said Commissioner Matt Joseph.
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