Avoca mayor resigns citing personal reasons

File Photo/NWA Democrat-Gazette/BEN GOFF  @NWABENGOFF Myles McDaniel (left), who lives just outside Avoca, chats April 2 with Avoca Mayor Jordan Sullivan during a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the town's founding at Avoca Town Hall.
File Photo/NWA Democrat-Gazette/BEN GOFF @NWABENGOFF Myles McDaniel (left), who lives just outside Avoca, chats April 2 with Avoca Mayor Jordan Sullivan during a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the town's founding at Avoca Town Hall.

AVOCA -- Avoca Mayor Jordan Sullivan resigned Tuesday, citing personal reasons.

Sullivan, reached by phone, confirmed the resignation, effective immediately, but wouldn't elaborate on his reasons for leaving. Sullivan said he has served as mayor since January 2015. Before that, he said, he served on the town council and the town's Planning Commission. Altogether, he said, he has served the city in some capacity for about 10 years.

Kathleen Hansen, a member of the town council, said she was aware of Sullivan's resignation and the reasons for it, but she would not comment.

"I can tell you it is personal, and it's not political," Hansen said. "It's a very private and personal matter, and I don't feel free to disclose that."

Nanette Barnes, the city's recorder-treasurer, sent out a notice Tuesday afternoon of a special meeting, set for 5 p.m. Jan. 23 to discuss Sullivan's resignation.

Ed McClure, attorney for Avoca, said Tuesday afternoon he was still researching state law on the question of replacing the mayor in a town of the second class. He said he will present that information to the council at its special meeting.

McClure said his first impression is the town council will have two options: Appoint Barnes, who he said is acting mayor since Sullivan's resignation, to serve out the remainder of Sullivan's term or appoint someone else to serve out the term.

Sullivan's term expires Dec. 31, according to information from the Benton County Clerk's Office.

NW News on 01/17/2018

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