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Town Councilwoman Andra Benson resigned from the board Wednesday night.  Benson had been appointed to fill the first of two remaining years of Kathy Miller's councilwoman term when Miller was elected Supervisor.  Two weeks ago Benson announced she would not be running in November's election to fill the second year because her husband Chuck had suffered a serious back accident, and she intended to concentrate on helping him through what is expected to be a lengthy recovery.

"It is with much regret that I must resign my position of Town Board member effective October 18, 2012," Benson said, reading from a letter of resignation.  "Due to my husband's recent accident I must devote all of my time to his care.  I have greatly enjoyed my short stint on the board and feel I have learned a great deal. I know that the present Town board is serving the people of Lansing very well, and I commend your service."

Supervisor Kathy Miller said she regrets Benson is leaving the board and said she hopes to work with her again in the future.

"I've worked with Andra on a lot of boards and she has been an inspiration to me," said Supervisor Kathy Miller.  "She is always the voice of reason, of common sense, and she always puts Lansing first.  Whenever there's a problem she looks for a solution.  She figures it out and makes things happen."

Last year Benson ran against Ed LaVigne, Ruth Hopkins, and Michael Koplinka-Lehr for two open board seats, coming in third behind winners LaVigne and Hopkins.  In January the board appointed her to fill the first remaining year of Miller's vacated seat.  A major Lansing dairy farmer, Benson's special focus on the board has been representing local agriculture.  State election law requires that the seat go up for a vote again this year to fill the remaining year.  Former Councilwoman Katrina Binkewicz (D) challenged Benson (R) and is now running unopposed for the position.

"Everybody knows when something tragic happens in your family you have to do your family duty first," Benson said.  "I commend the board.  People are happy.  It's an approachable board.  It's a board that works well together, accomplishes things, and you know the people in the Town are happy."

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