Boutwell resigns mayor's post

Century Town Council President Luis Gomez, Jr. will act as interim mayor for the town of Century until the council decides who to appoint after Ben Boutwell submitted his letter of resignation on Tuesday, Aug. 21. Boutwell's term expires January 2025, so the council will determine a date to hold a special election for mayor. It is up to the council to decide when that special election will be held. Qualifying for the regular election for mayor and council seats 1 and 2 starts in June 2024. According to Town Clerk Leslie Howington, the cost of the last special election to fill council seats left empty by James Smith and Leonard White was more than $7,000.

According to the town's charter:

'In the event that the mayor dies, resigns, becomes permanently disabled, ceases to be qualified, forfeits his office or is removed from office, as provided by law, the council shall appoint an interim mayor to serve until a successor is chosen. The interim mayor shall have the full powers and duties of mayor as provided by this charter or other law. If six (6) months or more remain in the current term of the mayor, the council shall call a special election to fill the office for the unexpired portion of the term, and such election shall be held and completed within ninety (90) days of the occurrence of the vacancy.'

Boutwell said he would resign at the town's last council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 15, and walked out following a heated discussion and questioning from council members about personnel changes that were not brought before the council. The following morning, however, Boutwell issued a statement that his decision was out of frustration and he had decided to fulfill his obligations as mayor to the people in the town of Century following a 'sleepless night of prayer.'

Then eight days later, he submitted his resignation letter. In the letter, Boutwell wrote:

'It is of heavy heart that I send this letter. This letter serves as my official resignation from my

position as Mayor, Town of Century. This resignation is effective immediately. I take great

pride in the accomplishments that your Administration has worked with me to accomplish for

Century, specifically Representative Michelle Salzman, Senator Doug Broxson and

Commissioner Steven Barry. Together we have secured over $25 million to improve the

infrastructure and quality of life for Town citizens. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be

focused on the Town and its' citizens.'

"Right now I'm the acting mayor," said Gomez. "It's really up to the discretion of the council, they can leave me in that position until the term is up if they so choose. If I have to stay in there until the regular election, I will, because the best interest of the town comes first."

Gomez described the worst-case scenario for the future leadership in Century as 'to keep swapping around.' Gomez said he always has questions at council meetings and he plans to take this opportunity to get answers to some of the questions that he says have been avoided.

Gomez cited the $25 million Boutwell referred to in his resignation letter as 'vague' and said he plans to find that $25 million, so that there will be no scrutiny about where that money is when Gomez leaves the position, whether he fills Boutwell's remaining term or not.

"I didn't ask him to leave, he left on his own accord," said Gomez. "And I'm just doing what I think the town deserves. We have to have representation and leadership so I'm following he charter. I'm thrust into this position and I'm going to do the best I can."

Boutwell was unavailable for comment at press time Wednesday.