Article by Tammy Moore Teague
After many months of the city council and citizens calling for the resignation of Mansfield’s Mayor Larry Austin, it was announced on Thursday evening that his last day of office was March 9. Austin’s letter also included a thank you to the citizens of Mansfield for allowing him to serve as mayor. At this time it is unknown who will serve out the remainder of his term, however, secretary/treasurer, Becky Walker is overseeing the meetings.
Also tendering resignations were Ken Swilling, who is the Public Works Director and also city employee Clay Davis. With several employees and now the mayor resigning, the future of the city seems unclear. However as Walker stated ” We want to hold our city together now and in the future.”
Some stated they felt relieved, “an answered prayer,” said Lisa Nichols. Others, however, felt the mayor was pushed out of office. “People are so rude and coldhearted,” Brenda Seajack said. She went on to add that she doubted anyone making the “about time or finally” comments could or would do any better.
Certainly there will be widespread fallout after this announcement, but stay tuned Resident Press as we will continue to cover this story.