Published: June 28, 2008 10:13 pm      

Gilmore’s resignation official on Tuesday

Replacement won’t be named until July

ASHLAND — Ashland Mayor Steve Gilmore’s resignation will become effective Tuesday, but officials cannot move to appoint a replacement until at least mid-July.

Gilmore, who has stepped down to become superintendent of Ashland Independent Schools, submitted his formal resignation letter Friday.

According to City Attorney Richard “Sonny” Martin, although his resignation is effective that date, the vacancy he will create will not become official until the first regularly scheduled meeting July 17. The Ashland Board of City Commissioners regularly meets the first and third Thursday of the month but canceled its July 3 meeting because of the holiday.

Martin said until Gilmore’s resignation becomes official, commissioner Kevin Gunderson will serve as mayor pro-tem.

Under Kentucky Revised Statutes, the Board of Commissioners must fill the vacancy and then vote to appoint a member from among their ranks to preside over meetings until Dec. 31 when Gilmore’s term was to expire. The commission has 30 days to fill the vacancy or Gov. Steve Beshear will appoint a qualified individual.

To date, commissioners have not met to discuss who will replace Gilmore, Martin said. That discussion would be part of a publicly advertised meeting, he said.

Commissioners are expected to take the matter up on July 17.

Two candidates — current Ashland commissioner Paula Hogsten and former Ashland Police Chief Tom Kelley — are on the ballot for Ashland mayor in November. Chris Hammond is a write-in candidate and his name will not appear on the ballot.

CARRIE KIRSCHNER can be reach at ckirschner@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.