Mayor of Green Cove Springs suddenly resigns, successor to be appointed Tuesday night
The city announced Tuesday that Mayor and City Councilmember Thomas Smith had resigned, effective immediately. In the announcement, the city said Smith's 'evolving work-related obligations have made it no longer possible for him to continue fulfilling the duties of public office," referring to his outside work.
In his communication to the city manager, GCS said Mayor Smith expressed his gratitude for the time he was able to serve his neighbors, calling it an 'incredible honor.'
Smith was first elected to the Council in April 2022.
City Council will choose a new mayor and vice mayor during its regularly scheduled City Council meeting at 6 P.M. tonight. The position of vice mayor is currently held by Councilmember Edward Gaw.
A special election will also be held in the future to fill the newly vacated City Council seat. Details on the election for Seat 4 are expected in the near future.
'The City thanks Thomas Smith for his dedication and service to Green Cove Springs and wishes him well in his future endeavors.'
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Legal claim by ex-Los Angeles fire chief alleges mayor orchestrated smear campaign after her ouster
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- San Francisco Chronicle
Legal claim by ex-Los Angeles fire chief alleges mayor orchestrated smear campaign after her ouster
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Roberts earlier this summer was forcibly removed from a City-County Council meeting by sheriff's deputies at the direction of Council President Vop Osili and has previously stated she wouldn't return to the City-County Building following that experience. More: Lauren Roberts delivers statement intended for Indianapolis City-County Council "I truly empathize with you over the ordeal you have been through," Boots wrote to Roberts. Roberts responded: "I do not consent to being further revictimized and retraumatized by your institution to help you do your jobs, especially after (Osili) had me assaulted by sheriff's deputies on June 9." She instead referred Boots to her past statements on the situation with Cook and the subsequent investigation. Roberts and Ellert, through their attorney, declined to comment on the email. 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"I felt the same as when I first reported Thomas Cook's abuse: that this was a process slanted against me," Ellert wrote in June in a statement to councilors of the investigation into her harassment and assault claims. "Nevertheless, I participated in the investigation with the hope that it would promote accountability and help create a new and effective system of reporting." In a statement, Emma Davidson Tribbs of the National Women's Defense League, said survivors of harassment and abuse should be "treated with basic respect" by the Indianapolis City-County Council instead of being retraumatized. "The burden of credibility lies with those in power," Tribbs said in a statement to IndyStar. "It's time for the council to move beyond appearances, follow through on its promises, and demonstrate that survivor safety and justice are more than just talking points." Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@ or follow her on X @hayleighcolombo. Contact city hall reporter Jordan Smith at jtsmith@ or follow him on X @jordantsmith09.
