Rock Island's Third Ward alderman resigns during city council meeting

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (KWQC) – Councilman Kevin Maynard of Rock Island’s Third Ward will resign from his city council seat.

Monday, Ald. Maynard will resign after the end of Monday night’s City Council meeting, which begins at 6:45 p.m., according to a news release from the City of Rock Island. Maynard was appointed by Mayor Mike Thoms in February.

Ald. Maynard, who is also executive director of Quad City Arts, has accepted a position at Florida State University as executive director of Opening Nights, according to the news release. He will start in that role on November 4.

“It has been my pleasure to serve the Third Ward in Rock Island,” said Ald. Maynard said. “While it is difficult to leave, I know the City of Rock Island is in good hands with the current council members and the great staff there. In my short tenure, I am proud of what the City of Rock Island has accomplished. I look forward to visiting Rock Island in the near future to see all the work that has been started and completed.

Mayor Thoms is required by state statute to nominate someone to fill a vacant alderman seat within 60 days of resigning, the news release said. Once a candidate is nominated, city council members have 30 days to vote on whether to approve or reject the nomination.

According to city officials, the Third District seat is up for election in the April 2025 municipal election.