On Tuesday 2/20 three-term mayor Joe Habel resigned. Former Northampton County Supervisor Larry Lemond will be appointed interim mayor during a special Town Council meeting on Monday 2/26. The meeting begins at 6:30 pm. A regularly scheduled Cheriton Town Council meeting will be held Wednesday 2/28 at 7 pm.
Mayor Habel issued this statement: Due to circumstances beyond my control on February 12th, 2018, I felt it was necessary to resign my position as Mayor of Cheriton. Last night On February 20th, 2018 , the Town Council voted to accepted my resignation. I want to thank all of my family, friends, Cheriton Residents and beyond for all the support and encouragement offered to me during my 3 terms as Mayor and 1 term as councilman. It has been an honor to serve our Town. Sincerely Joe Habel.
A Cheriton citizen who wished to remain anonymous told the Mirror, “I attended most of the public part of the meeting on Feb. 7. The issue that seems to be causing the controversy is the budget amendment and funding of the new police department. Some of the council members indicated that they were given incorrect information regarding the budget and police department. It sounded like they were making excuses and effectively requesting a do-over, when as council members they could easily access town financial information was well as other publicly available information.
During the 9/11/2017 Special Meeting of the Cheriton Town Council three motions were passed to create the Cheriton Police Department and get it up and running. Some of the council members who voted aye are now trying to back out of their decision.
As a Cheriton citizen, I am appalled by some of our elected representatives’ lack of leadership. Former mayor Habel exhibited integrity and responsibility, unlike some council members. I hope that the council will start to work together and in the best interest of the town and perform their duties.”