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Serving as a local elected official is one of the most demanding—and often thankless—tasks a citizen can perform. City officials can be called upon day and night. They are subject to constant criticism, and almost everything they do will be wrong in someone’s opinion. Many officials spend their own money to campaign for election; most receive little, if any, pay for the job.

City Council Members for Johnson City receive a mere $15 for each meeting they attend. That’s just enough to take your best gal to the movies… if you go dutch. The Mayor receives approximately $600 annually as compensation for his position (around $50 a month). Most people would think that such financial compensation hardly seems worth the constant barrage of phone calls, insults, and criticism one may be subjecting them selves too as a city leader in Johnson City.

However serving in local office can also be a rather rewarding and productive experience. Many folks consider it more important than being in Congress or the state legislature, because the city is the real world where they feel like they can make good things happen for their fellow citizens.

Now, after approximately 30 years of service in Johnson City politics – Mayor Kermit Roeder has submitted his resignation to the city council.

"We haven’t officially tallied up his years of service to Johnson City just yet," stated City Manager, David Dockery. "But between the time he’s served on the City Council and as the Mayor of Johnson City – its somewhere around 30 years."

When the Record-Courier asked Mayor Roeder why he was stepping down from a position that he’s served in for so long, he simply replied, "it’s time."

"I’m retiring later this year from my job in the county, and I’m just ready to step down from the different responsibilities I’ve had over the years," Roeder said. Though the city council was aware at their last regularly scheduled meeting of the mayor’s intentions – it was obvious that Roeder desired as little fan-fare as possible.

"He made us promise not to make a big deal about it," stated city secretary Pat Dildine.

David Dockery, the city’s manager, stated that a special council meeting will be held on Friday, August 27th at 5:00 pm regarding the mayor’s resignation. "This is an open council meeting – just like any other, [it’s just being held at a different time than normal]… all parties interested in the subject matter listed on the agenda should attend the meeting," he said.

If you haven’t seen a calendar lately – that meeting is scheduled for tomorrow.

According to the meeting agenda, first the council will "consider and possibly take action on accepting the mayor’s resignation – effective August 28th." Once the resignation is accepted by the council, the city attorney will probably discuss the councils options on replacing the mayor.

The second agenda item listed states that the council will hold a "…discussion and possibl[y take] action on whether to appoint a new Mayor."

Most likely, the role will be filled by mayor Pro-Tem Rhonda Stell. Although it is highly likely that the council would be willing to appoint Stell to the role of mayor until city elections take place in May 2011 – they do have other options to choose from.

Typically, the Mayor Pro-Tem presides as the mayor in situations when the mayor can’t attend meetings. As of August 28th, she would be the mayor from when the resignation is formally taken to the time that a new mayor is appointed. However, unless the council chooses to appoint her to the position – she does not just move on to the official position of mayor of Johnson City automatically.

Any citizens that would like more information regarding the process of finding a new mayor are encouraged to attend the meeting this Friday, August 27th at 5:00 pm. The meeting will take place at City Hall.