BUCKHANNON, W. Va. — For personal health reasons related to stress, the mayor of Buckhannon has announced his resignation.
“I’ve had conversations, actually over the past several months, with my doctor,” Mayor Kenny Davidson said. “My stress level is out where I can’t handle it any more. For the good of the city, first, and for my own personal health, it’s time for me to step out.”
In a letter addressed to the city council for Thursday night’s meeting, Davidson wrote, while he was in no immediate danger, this was the best decision for everyone.
The thought of letting the city down made the choice especially difficult, given the standard for work ethic he said he places on himself. However, he reflected on the hard working people who made the city what it is today before him and those who will carry on after.
“It was a lot easier to do because I think there are people here that can take over and do business here,” he said. “This city has been here since the 30s and gotten by just without me and I think they’ll keep right on getting by without me.”
When asked accomplishments during his tenure he will remember most, he immediately declined to take personal credit for anything. He described everything which occurred as a group effort with city council and the city’s staff.
Davidson pointed to the creation of the City Administrator position and hiring Michael Doss to fill the role. He said through Doss’ work, they were able to move toward accomplishments such as the successful application into the state’s home rule program.
He also mentioned the development and construction of the new conference center in partnership with the National Guard.
“The city was able to contribute somewhere in the neighborhood of $800,000 to that project and we got a $2 million to $3 million dollar facility out of that.”
Davidson is hopeful for the future of Buckhannon. He would particularly like to see the city grown and expand its borders through annexation and develop the land to attract new businesses and jobs, a goal he is sure the leadership can accomplish.
Though stepping down, Davidson is grateful for the opportunity to serve the city which he cares so
“I’m real, real pleased with having the opportunity to be the mayor,” he said. “I think this is one of the best little towns in the world. I grew up here, this is my home. The only place I’ve ever called home was Buckhannon, Upshur County.”
Recorder Rick Edwards will assume the mayor role and work both positions until the 2016 election.