Hedwall Resigns from Mayorship
Hornsby chose Curtis Vandiver as temporary mayor after the surprise resignation from Hornsby Mayor Megan Hedwall on March 7 at the scheduled meeting of the aldermen.
Hedwall, who was elected over incumbent Mack Carter, Jr. in November of 2020 with over 60% of the vote, read a letter during the meeting.
“Over two years ago, I ran for Mayor due to what I saw as mismanagement and a lack of concern about our citizens’ liberties. When I ran for Mayor, I proclaimed the excellence of our Founding Fathers’ ideals: Individual liberty and its’ preservation, as the only legitimate purpose of government,” she began.
“Something that many do not realize about the position of Hornsby’s Mayor, is that the Mayor has very limited power. The Board of Aldermen has the power to override the Mayor at any point. The only thing that a Mayor, who values individual rights can do, is attempt to steer the Board of Aldermen in a manner that protects the town, the citizens,
and themselves.
Once elected to the position of Mayor, I was able to address each of the issues that I ran on. Some of those issues were unobtainable, only because the Board and I do not share the same values. In the process, I worked tirelessly to convince the Board of Aldermen to do what was best for our Town as well as our Water Customers.
It would seem that there is a lust for power, as there is an almost monthly occurrence of unethical, immoral and illegal use of the Aldermen’s power. Due to these acts of harmful, divisive and illegal dictates I have been forced to make a most honorable decision at this time. In fact, our Town Charter recognizes that such an issue may arise and has allowed the Mayor to protect herself from the misguided actions of the Board.
As a moral and ethical individual, the decision that I must make, is to refuse to assist the Hornsby Board of Aldermen.
I will no longer abide having to execute their harmful policies, against our wonderful Town.
I do hereby, immediately, resign as Hornsby’s Mayor.”
Hedwall’s letter continues to inform the public that her phone provided by the city when she took office more than two years ago contained files of a “misogynistic” nature and that none of it was content she downloaded.
Her letter then finished, “Thank you for allowing me to serve as the Mayor of Hornsby. I look forward to seeing you all at next month’s meeting as an informed citizen. Together, we as citizens can still fight for what is legal, ethical, and best for our town.”
Alderwoman Patricia Plunk said she hoped for understanding from the citizens as they will press on.
“Mayor Hedwall’s resignation tonight was unexpected. It will take some time to get everything sorted out, and we ask for patience as we work through this. Hornsby has always been the best small town to live in, and we, as a community, will work hard, and move forward,” she said.
Vandiver will serve as mayor until November 2024, unless he were to refuse to serve, in that case, the next mayor would need to be appointed from the pool of aldermen, according to Hardeman County Administrator of Elections Amber Moore. The aldermen will need to replace Vandiver on the board.
Other topics covered in the meeting were the embattled Hornsby Water System and the future of such.
Also, Captain James Tosh of the Hornbsy Fire Department was honored for his 25 years of service.
“James Tosh has been dedicated to the fire department for 25 years,” said Hornsby Fire Chief Russ Kelly. “He has given countless hours devoting himself to the Hornsby Fire Dept and the citizens of the town of Hornsby. We are thankful for his loyalty.”