Star City Town Council will hold an emergency meeting on Monday to amend Article 133 of the town’s code and appoint an acting mayor.
Herman Reid, who’s served as the town’s mayor since July of 2015, told The Dominion Post that he’s needed to take time away from the office recently due to health concerns.
Reid said he’s resigned as municipal judge, which is one of the mayor’s duties, and has chosen not to seek another term in Star City’s June 7 election.
“I went ahead and pulled my name out. I just don’t know how my health is going to be then,” he said.
According to Star City’s attorney, Tim Stranko, Ponch Reyes has been appointed as municipal judge.
Further, Stranko pointed to Star City Code 133.01, which mandates the town’s recorder shall perform all the duties of mayor in the event the sitting mayor is absent, sick or otherwise unable to perform all the duties of the office.
Steve Blinco is the town’s recorder, but declined taking on additional municipal duties due to his commitments as a member of Morgantown High School faculty and the school’s track coach.
“At the emergency meeting, council will amend the 133.01 to allow for an alternate appointment of an acting mayor, and will then make that appointment,” Stranko explained.
Reid’s current term ends July 1. He said he would like to see it through.
“I want to go ahead and work out my term until July 1 as much as I can, but I’m just kind of asking council for a little time off here. I’ve been mayor eight, nine years and haven’t taken any real time off,” Reid said. “I’m still capable of answering emails and phone calls. I’m doing it right now with you. Then maybe in a couple months I’ll be feeling better and I can get back in the office, but as of right now, I just can’t.”
When asked about Reid being able to finish out his term, Stranko responded “The acting mayor will help Mayor Reid complete his term and retire with the thanks and honors he deserves.”
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