Chapel Hill Town Councilman Bill Strom has resigned his post, effective Aug. 1.

Augustus Cho, who is now running for mayor, released a statement Thursday, expressing concern about the timing of the resignation.

“I am disappointed in what Councilman Strom has done to the town and the citizens of Chapel Hill by resigning now instead of earlier,” said Augustus Cho, Chair of Transportation Board and mayoral candidate.
“By his questionable timing, [Strom] has effectively denied the voters an opportunity to express their values and preferences in choosing one of eight candidates for Council.”

Cho said had Strom resigned before the end of the July 14 filing deadline for fall elections, voters could have chosen a new councilman on the Nov. 3, 2009 election ballot with the other offices.

This way, the present Council will appoint his replacement.

NBC17 is attempting to reach Bill Strom for comment.