Councilman Ernest C. Bobbitt tendered his resignation from the Roanoke Rapids City Council citing retirement from a lifelong career of public service to spend time with his family.
Bobbitt represents District 1, and his current term of office was not set to expire until 2023.
“After many discussions with my family, I have decided that now is the time to retire from public service to enjoy my time with them,” he said in a letter dated Thursday to Mayor Emery Doughtie and his fellow members of the panel.
Bobbitt and his wife Dorothy have two adult children — Ashley and William — and four grandchildren — Caitlin, Emerson, Colby, and Brooklyn — all of Roanoke Rapids.
The city said today Bobbitt has been a valuable and dedicated public servant for over 50 years. Prior to elected office, Bobbitt served in the United States Marine Corps followed by a 31-year career with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department before retiring as chief in 2002.
In 2003, he was first elected to city council to represent District 1 and is currently serving his fifth consecutive term in elected office.
“It has been among the greatest honors of my life to have the privilege of representing the citizens of Roanoke Rapids’ District One,” Bobbitt said. “I will always be thankful for the friendships I have made and nurtured on city council. I am proud of my record of service to this city and its people.”
He serves as liaison on the Roanoke Rapids Beautification Committee, Halifax Horizons Board, and the Peanut Belt Rural Planning Organization.
“The city of Roanoke Rapids wishes Councilman Bobbitt much happiness in his second phase of retirement,” Doughtie said. “We are grateful for the many long hours that Ernest has served the citizens during the years of council meetings that sometimes lingered on and on.”
The mayor said, “Before coming to the council, Mr. Bobbitt served this community as a police officer where he rose through the ranks retiring as chief of the RRPD. Thank you, Mr. Bobbitt, for all you have done to make Roanoke Rapids and the surrounding area a better place to live. I wish you and your family the very best.”
Interim City Manager Kelly Traynham said council will consider how to proceed with filling the vacancy created by Bobbitt’s resignation.
Under the Roanoke Rapids City Charter, the other members of the council may appoint a qualified person to hold office for the remainder of the unexpired term which expires in November of 2023.
Since the city council has elections by district elections any appointment will be a qualified resident of District 1.
The district is also represented by Councilwoman Suetta Scarbrough.
