Wausau City Council Alderman Steve Foley has resigned.

The District 10 alderman sent an official resignation notice to City Clerk Kelly Michaels Wednesday night.

He's currently in Florida with his family looking for an apartment. He says he's moving there to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Starting in January he'll pursue an M.B.A. in aviation management.

A Wausau paper had a front page article saying Foley apparently left town.

"Yeah, it would have been great if they'd contacted me before they wrote the story," Foley said.

Addressing rumors that he secretly fled, he says that's not the case.

"There was no secret here. There was no getting up and moving in the middle of the night. The restaurant's been closed for approximately six weeks already," he said.

He owns the Wisconsin Pizza Factory in Rothschild, which according to online court records, is in foreclosure.

He says he's working with a potential investor in Florida and hopes to have the restaurant re-opened shortly.

Meanwhile, he says he liked being an elected official.

"I enjoyed my position there. It was an honor and I'm pleased to have served people for the time I did," he said.

Now the City Council will decide whether to appoint someone to fill his position until April....or leave it vacant.

"Individuals who are interested in running for office they can start circulating their papers starting on December 1st," City Clerk Kelly Michaels said.

Here is the letter:

This letter will serve notice of my resignation as Alderman District 10 effective 11/12/2009.

Over the past nearly four years we have all seen great changes for the City of Wausau. The council can be especially proud at creating a greater openness of city government and increased involvement of city residents. We have faced many challenges as a city and have respectfully debated each others best intentions of how to continue moving our city forward. I am very proud of what we accomplished and honored to have served the residents of District 10.

I look forward to continued involvement in the city and surrounding area and wish the current council, mayor, city staff, and residents God's continued blessings.

Sincerely,

Steven Foley

Stay tuned to wsaw.com and NewsChannel 7 for the latest as it becomes available.