Nazareth Mayor Explains Sudden Resignation

One day after Nazareth Borough Council announced the resignation of Mayor Fred Daugherty Jr., the now-former mayor has released a statement to explain his abrupt departure and to reflect on his 37 years in Nazareth:

When I was elected Mayor of the Borough of Nazareth my intent was to serve my beloved community to the best of my ability. It has been my goal to take a somewhat different perspective and approach at dealing with some huge issues the borough has faced.

Community service has always been very rewarding for me. My family and friends have been very supportive and encouraging. My recent and sudden resignation has not been for any other reason than personal. My resignation is not to run away or avoid anything but rather embrace a change in my living situation. As with removing a Band-Aid, it hurts less to yank it off and get the pain over with rather than stress and linger over its removal.

Shortly I will be joining my lovely wife in East Tennessee. My future endeavors there are known only by God. Fortunately I have Him to trust and lead the way forward.

It has been my pleasure to have served with some of the most dedicated and selfless people I have ever known. I have every confidence in their ability to lead Nazareth into the future. The Borough of Nazareth has taken a kid from the south, worked its magic over 37 years and made me a believer in it. Great things are in store for Nazareth in the future. My sincere hope is that people realize what a special place they live in and work to maintain and improve it.

Fred C. Daugherty, Jr.

According to borough solicitor Alfred Pierce, Council has 30 days to make an appointment to fill the mayor's seat. The only qualification for the appointed person is that he or she is a "registered elector" in the Borough of Nazareth.

Resumes will be accepted at the borough office until May 2. Council will then consider its options, in hopes of acting at its May 6 meeting.

Councilman Jack Herbst and Carl Strye Jr., the longtime president of Vigilance Hose Co. No. 1, are both interested in taking over for Daugherty.