Bartlesville mayor resigns, citing conflict of interest

(Bartlesville-AP) -- Bartlesville's mayor has resigned because his son-in-law has been hired as the city's treasurer.

Mayor Ron Nikkel resigned this week because he said working with son-in-law Ross Pattison would be a conflict of interest.

Nikkel refused input into the City Council's decision to hire Pattison as a precaution to avoid giving the appearance he had any influence in the council's decision.

Vice Mayor Laura Hicks automatically became mayor when Nikkel resigned.

The council now must appoint a new representative for the Ward Two district that Nikkel served.