Holloway submits resignation to City Council

Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway, the city?s longest serving mayor, notified the City Council today that he is resigning his position as mayor.

?Due to an accumulation of health issues, I must ask the people of the City of Biloxi to permit me to be with my family for the remainder of this municipal term,? Holloway said in a letter dated March 5 to the City Council. Holloway said his resignation will be effective March 10, when the City Council is expected to call a special meeting to accept the resignation and declare the position vacant.

Councilmembers will then appoint an acting mayor from among the council and subsequently will call a special election, which is expected to be held within 60 days.

Holloway, 75, is currently in his sixth term as Biloxi�s mayor. He was first elected to the City Council in 1989 and was elected to his first term as mayor in 1993. As mayor, the former Ole Miss football star oversaw the most prosperous time in the city�s history, that period after the arrival of casino gambling, and he has directed a massive post-Hurricane Katrina municipal rebuilding effort that began shortly after Katrina struck almost 10 years ago.

Holloway referenced the turbulent times in his resignation letter: ?While it has been an honor to serve the City in some of its most difficult moments, it has not been an easy duty to fulfill.?

Holloway?s resignation letter was four sentences, which Chief Administrative Officer David Nichols said was an example of the mayor?s directness and brevity.

?I hope people will use this time to reflect on the extraordinary career of dedication that A.J. Holloway gave to this city that he loves so much,? Nichols said. ?At no time in our 300-year history have we had one individual who has provided so much leadership to this city in some of its best and most challenging times.?
Read the mayor?s resignation letter