Published: April 01, 2009 10:41 am      

NS mayor steps aside

By Cristin Ross

cross@jacksonvilleprogress.com

Danny Stallings’ last act as mayor of New Summerfield on Monday night was to officially hand over the reins of the city to the new mayor, Jane Barrow.

New Summerfield City Council accepted and unanimously approved Stallings’ resignation and Barrow’s nomination during a special council meeting held Monday night. Stallings cited health reasons for his decision to step down as mayor, despite having just over a month left to serve.

“My health’s not been too good for some time,” he said. “And since (Barrow) has filed for the mayor’s election in May, she’s obviously interested in the job.”

Barrow had filed to fill the mayor’s position and has no opposition after Stallings withdrew his name from the running before the filing deadline passed in March.

City Secretary Lindsey Tripp administered Barrow’s oath of office Monday night, to the applause and hearty congratulations of the rest of the council.

“I wish you the best,” Stallings said as he shook Barrow’s hand and ushered her into the mayor’s seat.

Barrow said, as she took her oath, “I’ll do whatever needs to be done for the city.”

Stallings took his leave of the meeting shortly after Barrow’s oath and imparted some details on her upcoming duties, including the need to make a city bank deposit as soon as possible and to what banks it should be made.

Stallings said he’d looking forward to spending time with his grandchildren, training his horses and fishing during his time away from city hall.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said with a smile as he turned over his keys to Police Chief Paul Hammack. “Make sure Jane gets those — that’s every key she’ll need for the city.”