Montrose, IA – The first-ever Chairman of the Southeast Iowa Regional Economic and Port Authority stepped down... just minutes into this morning's meeting.
After calling the meeting to order, Lowell Junkins asked his fellow directors to proceed to item 6 on the authority's agenda, Director Resignation, and then promptly announced his own resignation.
Junkins says his primary reason is that his current business efforts could lead to potential conflicts of interest with companies interested in locating in Lee County and working with the authority.
He is also stepping down because Junkins does not want the other directors to face the heat associated with statements he has said, and will continue to say, about the operation of the Southeast Iowa Regional Economic and Port Authority.
Just a few weeks ago, Junkins called out Vice-Chairman Dave Gudgel over the involvement of the authority and the Lee County Economic Development Group during negotiations over the new wind-turbine tower manufacturing plant to be built in Keokuk.
Following his roughly 10-minute resignation speech, Junkins walked out of the meeting and drove away.
Gudgel, who assumed control of the meeting, would not comment on Junkins resignation, citing the surprise nature of the announcement.
You can hear Junkins discuss his resignation by clicking the audio link above.
Additional Information
* The Lee County Board of Supervisors will select Junkins' replacement.