NORWICH – Ward One Alderman Robert Carey tendered his resignation to the city offices Wednesday, leaving the city’s first ward without a representative for the time being. Carey’s announcement follows more than four and a half years of service to the city.

Carey said his reason to leave the position is based on a personal interest to invest in the city in ways he can’t currently do as an elected official. According to the city charter, the vacancy of a position once held by an elected official must be filled by council members for the remainder of the position’s four-year term. Carey plans to work with other members of the city council to find a suitable candidate to fill his seat in the coming weeks and said he would be willing to serve as a volunteer on a city committee if appointed.

“As an alderman, I see a struggling little city in Upstate New York. As a private citizen, I can invest in the city in certain ways I haven’t been able to do,” said Carey. “The city needs some economic development ... I want to be able to invest in the city because I care about it and think this is a great place to live.”

Mayor Joseph Maiurano said the council is expected to receive and accept Carey’s resignation during the next meeting in August.