Haidsiak resigns from council

Red Oak City Councilman John Haidsiak has resigned.
Haidsiak handed in a resignation letter to the city following a special meeting May 27. The resignation was effective the morning of May 28. Haidsiak said he has worked for 13 years for the City of Red Oak as well as being a member of several civic organizations and has worked with people coming various walks of life.
In his resignation letter, Haidsiak said he sought a position on the council because he felt he could possibly make a difference and do some good in the community he has called home for more than 40 years, However, he was unable to do so.
“Due to the inability of not being able to work with the present Red Oak city administrator, as well as tension between myself and a fellow councilman, which has resulted in a non-workable relationship between the two of us…. The battle I’m fighting with these individuals is unlike any war zone I’ve ever been to. Some of the problems the city is facing today were not there with the previous administration and should not be a topic for discussion now. I feel that the present administration truly does not have the best interest of Red Oak or its citizens in mind,” Haidsiak said.
Red Oak Mayor Shawnna Silvius issued a response to Haidsiak’s resignation letter citing his inability to work with administrator Lisa Kotter and the fellow council member as cause for his resignation.
“It is unfortunate that he was not able to use his varying opinions productively, but rather — allowed the disagreements to lead to discourse. Alternative points of view allow for meaningful discussion and important advancements, but only when raised in a respectful manner. Disrespectful conduct toward staff — including inappropriate language and confrontational behavior — is never appropriate. As public servants, we must lead by example, creating a safe and respectful environment for staff and residents alike,” commented Silvius.
The response added that while Haidsiak may have misunderstood the administrator’s role in enforcing policies and overseeing operations, these duties are central to the administrator’s position and are vital to maintaining effective and lawful governance. The administrator has demonstrated her knowledge of municipal government and commitment to the growth and betterment of the City of Red Oak.