MIDWAY MAYOR Stacy Thurman announced at Monday’s city council meeting that she will resign effective May 9. The council has 30 days to fill the vacancy. “Midway is greater than all of us and will thrive long beyond our terms,” said Thurman. “It will always be a special place that I am blessed to call home.” (File photo)
Midway Mayor Stacy Thurman announced her resignation effective May 9 at Monday’s Midway City Council meeting. Her tenure will come to an end immediately prior to the convening of a special city council meeting to be held May 9 at 5:30 p.m. at which time the council will consider appointing a new mayor. The council has 30 days to fill the vacancy. As required by city ordinance, the resignation was in writing.
Under Section 31.11 of the Code of Ordinances, the mayor serves a four-year term. Thurman took office on January 1, 2023, following her election. The new mayor appointed by the council will serve the balance of Thurman’s term, which expires on December 31, 2027. City Attorney Sharon Gold said a new mayor does not need to come from the council, but “can be anyone.”
Other than private conversations with council members over the past weekend, Thurman’s plan was not known to anyone other than her family.
Thurman read heartfelt, moving remarks from her resignation letter, “As you know, I work full-time for the Woodford County Library. . . . When I decided to run for mayor, I never dreamed that I would take over the responsibilities of the city and the library within six months of each other. (Thurman was named the library’s executive director in August 2023.) At the time, I was determined to make it work, to do both jobs and to do them well. While I have done my best to juggle the responsibilities of both positions, it has come with a price. I have sacrificed precious time with my family and friends and have struggled with my mental health . . . I know in my heart that I have to give up something in order to truly focus on my family and myself. Absolutely no one benefits from me being over-extended, certainly not the community for which I am committed to serving. . . . I want to be clear that there’s no ulterior motive here, no drama, no hard feelings. I am simply bowing out before I burn out. . . . Midway is greater than all of us and will thrive long beyond our terms, it will always be a special place that I am blessed to call home.”
Thurman emphasized how she had been honored to serve and that she believed the city is in a good position with outstanding staff, council members and community partners, singling out several. Several members of the large crowd attending the meeting cried while the council gave Thurman a standing ovation.
Councilmember Patrick Hall said, “I’m tempted to tell everyone you are resigning to run a STR! Seriously, the only reason I am on council is you asked me to run. The library is in very good hands.”
Councilmember Sara Hicks said, “Thank you for being our mayor. . . . I really applaud you for your decision . . . you’ve shown courage and made a good example.”
Councilmember Kaye Nita Gallagher said, “It has been a pleasure serving with you on council and while you have been mayor. . . . When you’ve raised the kids, come on back.” Councilmember Mary Raglin said, “I support you. I respect you. I stand behind you 100 percent.”
Councilmember Logan Nance said “Stacy, I am absolutely so proud of you. I’m proud of how you recognize and know your limits and have a lot of courage to do what’s right for you, your family and the city.”