Latest news with #PottsvilleDemocraticCommittee
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘This is it,' says Mayor Mark Atkinson in farewell
POTTSVILLE — City council accepted the resignation of Mark Atkinson as mayor during Monday evening's meeting. 'This is it. I wrestled with the decision,' the 56-year-old U.S. Navy veteran said of his resignation for health reasons, effective at midnight. He submitted his resignation late Friday afternoon. Council has 30 days to appoint a new mayor. A meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. May 28 for a decision. Atkinson, a Democrat, has been mayor since city council appointed him to the position in November after the resignation of former mayor Dave Clews, who also resigned due to health reasons. Emotional at times, the Atkinson said he has cardiac problems stemming from his service in Iraq. 'I know sooner or later this illness is going to kill me, but I don't want it to be next week,' Atkinson said. His doctor said he should reduce stress in his life as much as possible. In February, Atkinson announced he was not seeking reelection. The Pottsville Democratic Committee unanimously endorsed Councilman Andy Wollyung for mayor. Tom Smith is the Republican seeking the seat. Council members each said a few words about Atkinson. Council member Dorothy 'Dottie' Botto, who is the most senior member on council, said she appreciated his dedication to the city and the county, a sentiment shared by others. 'It's been a privilege and honor to serve with you,' said council member Tom Wood.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pottsville Mayor Mark Atkinson announces resignation
POTTSVILLE — Mayor Mark Atkinson is resigning for health reasons. The 56-year-old U.S. Navy veteran confirmed Sunday he is stepping down as mayor, a decision he didn't take lightly but one that is best for his health. He submitted his resignation late Friday afternoon, which is effective the end of the business day Monday. Atkinson is planning to speak at Monday's 6 p.m. council meeting. 'I am getting completely out of politics,' he said. Atkinson, a Democrat, has been mayor since city council appointed him to the position in November after the resignation of former mayor Dave Clews, who also resigned due to health reasons. 'At the end of the day, I need to do what is best for my health,' Atkinson said, referring to his heart condition, which is related to his 10-month deployment to Iraq. Atkinson said he has had an irregular heartbeat and sometimes has difficulty breathing. A recent four-day hospital stay in April found 'significant changes' for the worse to his heart. His doctor advised he eliminate as much stress as possible. In February, Atkinson announced he was not seeking reelection. In response, the Pottsville Democratic Committee unanimously endorsed Andy Wollyung for mayor. A first-term city council member, Wollyung, 41, won a four-year seat on council in November 2023. Council has 30 days to appoint a successor. Being a mayor is an 'awesome responsibility' and an 'honor,' Atkinson said. He is most proud of the employees who do the day-to-day work of the city. No more firefighting In addition to his role as mayor, Atkinson is no longer medically cleared to work as a firefighter, a passion he has pursued for 38 years. 'My days as an interior firefighter are over,' he said, although he may still be able to drive a firetruck. Atkinson has been a firefighter in the city since 1992, having joined Yorkville as a firefighter from 1992 to 1995, then going to the Phoenix Fire Company, which has merged with Humane and is known as Pottsville Fire Company No. 1.
