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City leaders accepted Councilwoman Brenda Piña’s resignation as disagreements over what led the Ward 4 councilwoman to step down spilled into public discussion.
In her resignation statement, Piña said months of intimidation since taking office in May took their toll, while Councilwoman YaLecia Love pushed back, saying there was “more than one side to a story.”
“We may not always agree, and honestly, we should not expect to,” Love said. “We come from different backgrounds. We have different experiences, personalities, perspectives and priorities.”
The council’s vote came during a special-called meeting Sept. 30 that also included the retirement of City Manager Robert Eads.
Piña attended the meeting and participated in the council’s discussion and vote on her resignation.
Piña announced her resignation Sept. 22, outlining a series of incidents that left her feeling targeted in the wake of her election as the Ward 4 representative. She previously cited scrutiny over her attendance, communications and an argument with Love.
“I believe anger management classes should be provided to Mayor Pro Tem Love and her title should be removed for unethical behavior in city chambers,” Piña said in a prepared statement posted on Facebook.
In Wednesday's meeting, Love disputed Piña’s account of what happened and said members had previously committed during a team-building session to hold one another accountable and address concerns as they arose.
“Don’t resign and have me as your scapegoat,” Love said. “Resign because you want to resign.”
Following the vote, council members then turned their attention to filling the vacant seat, directing city staff to advertise the position and accept applications for a possible appointment.
The person selected would serve until May 2027, when a special election can be held to fill the remainder of Piña’s term, which was scheduled to end in May 2028.
Ward 4 residents interested in the position will need to submit an application to the city secretary’s office at 310 N Main St. by 5 p.m. Oct. 15.
The appointee may also run in the May special election.
For the Ward 4 map and information on the application, visit elgintexas.gov.
