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Embattled Joplin councilman resigns

Former Joplin council member Mike Woolston
Former Joplin council member Mike Woolston
JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — A Joplin councilman resigned the same day a censure hearing was scheduled to resolve ethics questions.

Councilman Mike Woolston reached an agreement with the City Council Monday to resign, while the council acknowledged Woolston did not benefit financially from real estate transactions involving the city.

Woolston, a real estate agent, was mayor during the May 2011 tornado.

A council investigation report early last year accused him of using his knowledge of city redevelopment plans to broker property. The allegations also were included in a state audit of the city of Joplin released in August.

The council said Woolston did not use private information or the prestige of his office for his personal benefit, although he could have been more transparent about his business dealings.

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