By Liz Oakes
Enquirer staff writer

ELMWOOD PLACE - Richard Ellison, the village's third vice mayor in less a year, has resigned, citing family circumstances.

Ellison, a former mayor, said in his resignation letter to council Wednesday evening that he was stepping down immediately.

On Thursday, Ellison, 68, said an ill daughter and the demands of the job weren't compatible.

"Family comes first, so that's the name of the tune," he said. He declined to comment further.

Ellison had served as mayor from 1994-99 and 2000-2001.

He had clashed with Village Solicitor Laura Abrams and others since his appointment to council and selection as vice mayor in May.

Abrams said she had a disagreement with Ellison after last month's council meeting about whether a resolution the vice mayor wrote was correct.

Wednesday, council approved a new tax levy certification request, rewritten by Abrams and Clerk/Treasurer Nancy Riley.

The previous version didn't mention the type of levy, Abrams said.

Elmwood Place is seeking a 10-mill property tax renewal on the fall ballot.

Village Council appointed Councilman Art Coffey, 71, as new vice mayor and resident Cheryl Bruce, 37, to fill the vacant seat.

E-mail loakes@enquirer.com