Topeka ? The resignation of Mayor Butch Felker left the City Council here with the job of finding a successor and ready to take applications from any registered voter living within the city.

Felker gave up the office Thursday to end an effort by Shawnee County Dist. Atty. Robert Hecht to remove him for violating Kansas campaign finance laws. A statement released by the two men said they had resolved all issues and no further action was expected.

The trial of a lawsuit Hecht filed to remove Felker from office was scheduled to begin Nov. 17.

Felker submitted his resignation to the city clerk, “in light of the prospect of continued litigation, which is disruptive to the efficient and effective operation of the municipal government.”

Deputy Mayor Duane Pomeroy, who has assumed Felker’s duties, said the City Council would take applications for mayor. A selection is expected by early January to fill the office for the remainder of Felker’s term, which expires in April 2005.

Pomeroy said he was not a candidate.

Besides being an adult, a registered voter and a Topeka resident, each applicant must submit a written statement of what they view as the city’s biggest problem and possible solutions.