For months before his resignation on Aug. 1, former Town Council member Bill Strom denied he was planning to move back to his native New York. But on Aug. 5, Strom and his wife Jennifer, former managing editor of The Independent newsweekly, purchased a Manhattan apartment for $625,000, New York City online public records show.

The News & Observer questioned Strom about his plans back in May, and he said he and his wife were downsizing. When his house in Chapel Hill sold in June, he said they had moved to an apartment in Chapel Hill. (As the buyer in the Manhattan transaction, the Stroms listed their address as Todd, N.C., where they've had a vacation home for years).

If Strom had resigned prior to July 14, the two years left on his council seat could have been up for election on Nov. 3. Instead, because of Strom's timing and town law, the Town Council must appoint a replacement, and all potential appointees must apply by Oct. 11, nearly a month before the voters decide on four other expiring seats. Some have called on the candidates to collectively apply so that no one gains or loses in the process, but some have resisted, saying they only want to be re-elected.