PERRY, Ga. — Mayor Pro Tem Randall Walker says he still doesn't know many details about why Mayor Jimmy Faircloth suddenly stepped down, but he's working to pick up where the mayor left off. "We're continuing on as business as usual day to day," he said.
Walker wasn't expecting to be Perry's man-in-charge following Faircloth's resignation.
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"The mayor has put a statement out, he wanted to focus on his responsibilities over at Central Georgia Technical College, and I think that's what he really wants to do at this point in time," Walker said.
With no time to waste, he's busy planning the city's next election.
"The third Tuesday in September, which is September the 17th. Now, that will have to be voted on by the council, but that will have to take place after June 1st after the mayor's effective date of his resignation," he said.
Until then, Perry Police Chief Steve Lynn says city department leaders are working through the transition.
"Everything is under control. You will not notice any kind of change in delivery of service, because that is our job to maintain as the professional management team for the city," Lynn said.
Faircloth was mayor for 9 1/2 years. Lynn served as police chief for the last six of them.
He's optimistic that the next mayor will follow in Faircloth's footsteps.
"Council, the elected officials, and the management team work hand-in-glove, and it's a good relationship -- always has been, and I expect it will be in the future as well," he said.
Faircloth was known for being a leader in the new city hall plans, preventing property tax increases and creating a number of community events including the New Year's Eve Buzzard Drop.
Faircloth had about two-and-a-half years left in his term. His last day on the job is May 31st.