Minutes 11/23/1976 - Laserfiche WebLink

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:86 TUESDAY NOVEMBER 23, 1976 The regular semi-monthly meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, was held in the Martinsville City Circuit Courtroom, Tuesday, November 23, 1976, beginning at 7:30 P.M., all members being present, viz., William D. Hobson, Vice Mayor; Barry A. Greene; L. D. Oakes; Francis T. West; and William C. Cole, Jr., it being noted that Mr. Cole, who was appointed by Council at Council's November 9th meeting to membership.on the Council for the unexpired term of former Councilman G. S. Fitz-Hugh, Jr., has already duly qualified before the Clerk of Martinsville's City Circuit Court. Pursuant to requirements of the City Charter, and there being a vacancy in the position of Mayor (because of the resignation, as of October 31, 1976, of Councilman-Mayor G. S. Fitz-Hugh, Jr.), Council proceeded with its required reorganization. With City Attorney Worthy presiding as temporary chairman, nominations for the position of Mayor were invited: Councilman Cole, in nominating Vice Mayor-Councilman Hobson for this position, offered the following statement: Mr. Chairman, I would like the Floor for the purpose of placing a name in nomination but, first, I would like the privilege of making a statement. All of us here present, as well as the thinking citizens of Martinsville, are well aware of the circumstances that led to my appointment to City Council. I regret the bitterness that this appointment has caused in some quarters. Now, here it is November 23, 1976, with the first order of business to elect a new Mayor. Regardless of how I got here, I am here - legally - I believe. I owe my appointment to these four gentlemen -- all four were in agreement and I want to thank you publically and personally -- Mr. West, Mr. Oakes, Mr. Greene, and Mr. Hobson. At the same time, I am making my own "Declaration of Independence". As far