Greenwood Mayor Del Gabbard has resigned from his post with a year left in office. Gabbard, who won office in November 2010, said he was resigning for health reasons.
"It is not in my nature to quit a job before it is completed," he wrote. "But given my medical problems and the toll that this job has taken over the past two years I owe this decision to my family."
His resignation, effective Jan. 13, leaves Mayor Pro Tempore Jim Gossett carrying out the mayor's duties as chief executive officer of the city until an election is held to replace Gabbard. It is unclear if a special election would be held or if the city would leave the post vacant, having the winner of the November 2014 general election as successor to Gabbard.
Whoever takes over the city will inherit a city prepared for the future, the mayor said in his resignation letter addressed to the "City Council and Citizens of Greenwood."
"I do believe that we have built a fiscal foundation upon which Greenwood can grow to new heights," he said. "This city's best days will always be ahead!"
FULL STATEMENT
Dear City Council and Citizens of Greenwood,
I resign the position of Mayor of Greenwood, Arkansas, effective immediately. I am extremely proud of the record we have built together. We have turned a corner. My my only regret is that I will not be beside you to see our work through to an end. It is not in my nature to quit a job before it is completed. But given my medical problems and the toll that this job has taken over the past two years I owe this decision to my family. I do believe that we have built a fiscal foundation upon which Greenwood can grow to new heights. This city's best days will always be ahead!
Sincerely yours,
Del Gabbard, Private Citizen