Fayette Mayor Greg Stidham submitted his resignation during the regular meeting of the city council, on Tuesday, April 7. He will serve out his duties throughout the month of April. Southwest ward alderman and Mayor Pro Tem Grafton Cook will take over as Mayor beginning May 1.

While Stidham had already announced he would not seek a second term, he had, however, planned to finish out his term which was supposed to conclude this month. He did not run for re-election due to plans for he and his wife to move to Overland Park, Kan. in early May. A new mayor would have been elected on April 7, and sworn in at the Board of Aldermen’s April 21 meeting. However due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Missouri elections that day were postponed until June 2.

“We had expected to complete my term as Mayor on Tuesday, April 21,”  Stidham wrote in his letter, which was addressed to the Fayette City Council, City Employees and Citizens of Fayette. “I will not be able to continue serving as Mayor after the 4-31-20 date.”

“During my last 30 days I will do everything possible to wrap up my duties and assist in the transition to the new Mayor,” Stidham said.

Before he was elected Mayor, Stidham served four years as a member of the city council. “I have greatly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunities I have been provided working with the City Council and City employees for the last 6 years. It has been a great experience as mayor of the City of Fayette,” he said.

Two candidates are running for Mayor, East ward alderwoman Stephanie Ford, and newcomer Kevin Oeth. The Fayette Advertiser will print full candidate profiles in the weeks running up to the June 2 election.