Lakewood Mayor Randy Holcomb conducts business Monday during a village board meeting. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

LAKEWOOD – The Lakewood Village Board of Trustees officially has a vacant seat.

Action was taken Monday to recognize the resignation of former board member Richard Fischer. Fischer resigned from his position on Aug. 9. Mayor Randy Holcomb said the board is looking to appoint someone, and that person will serve until 2025 when that seat will be up for election.

In the event someone is not appointed, the village will conduct business as a three-trustee board and a mayor, until the next election. With board approval, Holcomb would make the appointment.

“I would like to use this opportunity to thank you, the board, the office staff, the (Lakewood-Busti) Police Department, the Department of Public Works, the (code enforcement office) and attorneys. To all of the village residents, thank you for your support,” Fischer wrote in a letter, announcing his resignation, to the mayor and board, dated Aug. 2.

“Replacing Rich on the board of trustees will not be an easy task,” Holcomb had said previously.

Trustee Ben Troche echoed Holcomb’s thoughts, and said Fischer had a no-nonsense approach and focus on solutions.

“His insight was incredibly valuable, especially when I first joined the (Board of Trustees). I’m personally going to miss our long and frequent conversations about issues,” Troche said.

When Fischer ran for trustee in 2019, he said it was the right time for him to become involved with Lakewood government and is interested in representing the citizens of Lakewood on its board. Fischer first took office in 2020 and was re-elected in 2023.

Fischer said the reason he ran for the position of trustee was that it was vital for the community to remain progressive, yet continue on an economical path that benefits all village residents. He said leadership is expressed in many ways and his extensive research and fact finding is just one example of that and it will be put to good use on the Lakewood Village Board. Research is what good decision making represents.

Trustees Ellen Barnes and Nancy Jones reluctantly approved the motion to recognize Fischer’s vacancy.

“I totally respect Rich’s reasons for his decision. Speaking for myself, I am going to miss him,” Trustee Ellen Barnes previously noted.

If any village resident is interested in serving on the board, please contact Holcomb, visit the village hall to speak with the village clerk, or call 716-763-8557.