The Delavan mayor tonight removed the city attorney from office stating philosophical differences as the reason. Then, in what came as a surprise to the rest of the council, Alderman Allen Beymer asked the Mayor to resign.
Mayor Liz Skinner promptly responded she would not.

The council voted not to discuss the removal of City Attorney Mark Allen in executive session, so the decision was accepted with little debate.
Allen, whose tenure comes to an end after 25–plus years, did not attend tonight's meeting. The mayor received positive feedback from some residents who attended tonight's special session. City leaders feel strongly they're making progress.

Mayor Liz Skinner said, "I'm very excited about the future of this community. I think we have made significant steps moving forward and I think the future is bright."

Alderman Daniel Kentner said, "It does concern me we appear to be at a fairly divided state right now. It's not pleasant to be in, obviously we want to work in congruity and reach a consensus together. Unfortunately, you will have a difference of opinion, but that's what we're here to do is move forward and as painful as that may be for some, it's something that we have to do."

This is the latest move in a series of major decisions Liz Skinner has made since taking office on January second. Skinner has also hired a new city administrator and appointed a new police chief. The former police chief resigned to pursue other interests.

Former City Attorney Mark Allen says he and the mayor do have philosophical differences, and it's Skinner's right to appoint new counsel. The deadline to find a new attorney is May first.