Wanda Harris resigns as Polk City commissioner

POLK CITY — Just six months into her second term as Polk City commissioner, Wanda Cooper Harris has resigned.

Harris, who served as the city's vice mayor, said she stepped down Monday, citing health reasons and longer hours at her job as a patient care coordinator and office manager for Florida Medical Hearing Centers.

“My hours at my job are making it impossible for me to be at the (commission) meetings,” she said.

Harris also is engaged to be married and anticipates relocating from her home in Polk City to a new home near Bartow, where she may seek out a seat on that city's governing body sometime in the near future.

In her letter of resignation, Harris expressed hope that voters would understand her decision.

“This was not an easy decision,” she wrote, “and I am grateful for your support. I am truly sorry if this appears that I am letting you down.”

The city will seek a replacement to fill Harris' remaining term on the five-member commission. Interested residents should contact City Hall for information, 863-984-1375.

Commissioners will interview candidates and appoint their top choice. That person would serve until the April 7, 2020 city election and whoever is voted in would serve out the remaining two years of Harris' term.

Commissioners in Polk City serve four-year terms and are paid $781 annually.

“We hate to see that she resigned,” City Manager Patricia Jackson said of Harris. “Nobody knew it was coming.”

Eric Pera can be reached at eric.pera@theledger.com or 863-802-7528.