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On Friday, August 27, 2010 the city council of Johnson City met in a special session to accept the resignation of long standing Mayor, Kermit Roeder.

Upon advice from the City Attorney, Pat McGowan, Roeder’s resignation needed to be effective immediately before the council could declare a temporary successor.

Roeder then officially asked the city council to accept his resignation. Council member, Ralph Moss said, "well I’ve been in your shoes before, and I completely understand your desire to step aside. I move that we accept Kermit Roeder’s resignation."

The city council unanimously accepted Roeder’s resignation.

McGowan then informed the council, "since there isn’t a full year left before the term is up – there is no need for a special election."

Therefore, Council Member Alyce Duncan made a motion. "I move that we appoint Ralph Moss to fill the position of Mayor of Johnson City until the May election."

Council Member Darryl Weisenbaugh seconded the motion.

Mayor Pro-Tem, Rhonda Stell jokingly stated – "we need to stop recycling you two!" referring to the history of the Johnson City Mayor position between Ralph Moss and Kermit Roeder.

To date, Kermit Roeder has served as Mayor of Johnson City for a combined 15 years at 4 different times since 1983. Ralph Moss has served as Mayor of Johnson City for a total of 6 years, dating back to 1987. Both gentlemen have served on the city council since the 1980’s when they weren’t Mayor.

"I’ve really enjoyed serving the residents of Johnson City. It’s been a pleasure and honor, and I want to thank you for the opportunity!" stated Roeder.

Towards the end of the meeting, Johnson City Police Chief Randy Holland presented Roeder with a framed letter of appreciation. "You’ve been wonderful to work for… a terrific friend and a great boss. Thank you!" Chief Holland stated.

According to records provided by city hall, Johnson City has only had 7 Mayors in the past 61 years.

George Byars served as Mayor for 28 years; from April 1949 thru May 1977. Charles Matus than succeeded Byars from May 1977 thru May 1983.

This is when Roeder began his first stint as Mayor until May 1987.

Ralph Moss then took the reins from Roeder and served for 5 years until 1992.

Roeder once again filled the role of Mayor from May 1993 thru March 1998.

At this point, Moss took over yet again from 1998 to 1999.

It was at this time that the position was passed on to different hands. Joe Ginn filled the role for 2 years from 1999 until 2001.

Gary Hopkins sat in the chief seat from 2001 until 2003, and that’s when a young lady by the name of Rosie Kunkel took over. Kunkel took a lap around the Mayor block from May 2005 thru May 2007.

It was in 2007 that Kermit Roeder yet again assumed the Mayor’s position until now.

However, history has a way of repeating itself, and Ralph Moss is currently the Mayor of Johnson City – at least until May 2011.