Guyton Mayor Pro Tem Michael Johnson is stepping into the mayoral role following former mayor Andy Harville’sresignation Oct. 15, and will be responsible for all the duties and responsibilities of the position, according to City Manager Bill Lindsey.
The earliest a special election to fill the mayor’s seat can be held is March 16, 2027, Lindsey said, citing the county elections office.
"I expect the council meetings will continue to run smoothly and that they will keep making good decisions that are in the best interests of the city's residents," Lindsey said.
He added that the city has no major projects or developments that he expects to be affected by the leadership change.
"Guyton
is thriving," said Lindsey. "We have a fully staffed police department. We do a great job of providing services to our residents and I have every reason to believe that will continue."
Harville explained in his resignation letter his decision to part ways with the city. In it he writes that the decision to leave his post was not an easy one and that the role of mayor taught him a lot about local government.
"I’ve always believed in standing by my convictions and doing what I feel is right, even when it isn’t popular," Harville said. "You can’t please everyone and I’ve learned that not everyone will see eye to eye with you, no matter how hard you try. At the end of the day, politics shouldn’t define us. We’re neighbors, we’re part of the same community, and we need to do a better job of treating each other with respect, putting our differences aside, and remembering to love one another."
Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Guyton Mayor Andy Harville resigns. What's next for the city?
