By Ginger Kozlowski
Staff Writer

Hooksett Town Councilor Patricia Rueppel is leaving office sooner than planned, handing in her resignation to the council on Friday, Oct. 28.

Rueppel had planned to leave in June to reduce the overabundance of councilors in a newly redistricted District 2, but family issues are drawing her away sooner.

"My son is being deployed early," said Rueppell. "He was supposed to go out in April. Tore his whole house apart. I have to go down and finish the construction of it."

Rueppel's son lives in Norfolk, Va., where he is a machine repairman chief in the Navy on the U.S. George Washington.

"I'm sorry to hear of her departure," said fellow Town Councilor Michael DiBitetto. "She'll be missed on the council for sure. Her thoughts added immeasurably to the diversity on the council - another voice that was welcomed."

"She's done a great job for the town and as an advocate for the elderly," he said.

"I tried to talk her into not doing it," said Councilor Paul Loiselle. "She's achieved a lot of her objectives, as she put it. She's been a major, major asset to the council. It's gonna be a big gap to fill."

Though Rueppel will be in Virginia for a few months, Loiselle said she might return to public life here.

"I've got a feeling you'll see her around in other capacities," he said. "She's very much interested in this beautification committee that's being formed."

"She has a vivacious way, added a lot of character to the board," said Councilor Phillip Fitanides. "We should find another woman is what we should find."

Fitanides recalled Rueppel's unusual tactics when trying to make a point on the council.

"She would come in dressed up to make a point, dressed as a witch, or in her old airline hostess clothes," he said.

DiBitetto also plans to resign in June to reduce the number of councilors in the new District 2.

The council has 30 days to find and appoint someone to take Rueppel's place, said DiBitetto. Anyone interested would have to live in the new District 2, which encompasses the village, Dale Road, Beauchesne Drive area, Pleasant Street, Merrimack Street and most of Pine Street.

Those interested should send a letter of interest to the town council office or call Michael DiBitetto at 268-0423.