Pixley resigns from post, Banken to fill term

For the third time in the current election cycle, a Dexter Alderman has resigned and has been replaced.

At the Monday night meeting of the Dexter Board of Aldermen, the board accepted the resignation of Alderman Ray Pixley.

In his resignation, Pixley cited health issues as the reason for stepping down.

"Due to health reasons, I have not been able to attend the monthly meetings as I would like, so it is with regret that I must resign," Pixley wrote in his letter. "I would like to thank the voters and constituents that have put their trust in me to represent them in Ward 3."

In his place, Mayor Joe Weber appointed Jason Banken to fill the remainder of his Pixley's term.

Banken is allowed to fill the seat until the next municipal election at which time he will either run for election or surrender the seat.

As it stands, Pixley's term would have concluded in April 2014--which will be the next municipal election. As a result, there would be no need to be elected to a partial term.

"We welcome Banken to fill in this job," Weber said. "He's been here all of his life and he knows the town. We look forward to having him serve the City of Dexter."

Banken, a lifelong resident of Dexter, is married to Kristi Banken and the father of 10-year-old Annie Banken.

Raised in a restaurant family, after graduating from Dexter High School in 1990, he attended Southeast Missouri State University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Restaurant Business.

After college, he returned to Dexter to co-manage Hickory Log with his brother.

"I've been here all of my life and I look forward to serving the city," Banken said.

He actually considered public service much earlier in life, shortly after college.

"That was a major factor in why we decided to buy a home inside the city limits," Banken said. "I'm really excited to be here."

Pixley is the third Alderman to resign since the most recent municipal election in April 2013.

Alderman Kirby Taylor resigned in April after selling his home and moving to another ward. He was then replaced by Frank Killian who will, if he decides to continue in public service, have to run for a one-year-term in April 2014.

Alderman Kent Essner resigned his position in Ward 2 in September after moving outside of the city limits. Larry Rogers was appointed to replace him.

Rogers, if he chooses to continue in public service, will run for a two-year-term in April.