By Jon Gambrell
Enquirer contributor

MONROE - A veteran city councilman who resigned after being sworn in for a new term says he was tired of backroom politics and division.

Robert Youtsler, who was ready to begin his third termon Monroe's city council, resigned a few minutes after being sworn in.

A barber and a 44-year citizen of Monroe, Youtsler said internal politics caused him to resign. He claimed that Vice Mayor Steven Campbell had said Youtsler would be mayor, but then the council voted for Robert Routson to take the helm.

"I didn't care about being mayor," Youtsler said, saying he just didn't want to go through more political divisiveness. He was the lone incumbent re-elected by Monroe voters in November.

Campbell said he never had a conflict with Youtsler and had never promised him the mayor position, saying Youtsler's resignation came only from "not being happy about the way council was being aligned."

"He let it be known he wasn't satisfied," Campbell said.

Youtsler said he told council members his decision to resign before the ceremony, but was told to swear in officially.

The 67-year-old Youtsler said after open-heart surgery and two trips to the hospital from stress, it just wasn't worth it anymore.

"A lot of people encouraged me to run, but most people are just clamoring for titles," he said. "It's just not worth it for my health."

Monroe opening

The city of Monroe is accepting applications for Robert Youtsler's vacated council seat. Any resident of Monroe interested can apply for the position by writing to Acting City Manager Bill Brock, 233 S. Main St., Monroe.

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E-mail jgambrell@fuse.net