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Wayne Schutt, a member of the Cortland Common Council, has resigned following his arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI). The incident occurred on Friday (May 9) when Schutt, 50, was involved in a collision on Clinton Avenue Extension in Cortland. Schutt's Chevrolet Silverado rear-ended an Audi that was slowing to turn onto Interstate 81. Both vehicles sustained significant damage and were towed from the scene.
Schutt, who has served as the councilor for Cortland's First Ward since 2022 and was a former deputy mayor, was charged with two counts of DWI and aggravated unlicensed operation. He was treated for head pain at the scene. During the investigation, police also arrested Jennifer L. McCracken, 52, an acquaintance of Schutt, who arrived at the scene and was found to be under the influence of alcohol. Both Schutt and McCracken are scheduled to appear in city court on June 9.
In a statement, Schutt said he resigned in the best interest of the community. Cortland Mayor Scott Steve acknowledged Schutt's contributions to the city and noted that the process to fill the vacant First Ward seat will be announced soon. The arrest and resignation have left the council seat open, with city officials planning to address the vacancy in the coming days.