In a surprise announcement Tuesday night, Forest Park Mayor Corine Deyton said she will retire in October, after being on unspecified leave since May.
The announcement, read at Tuesday’s City Council meeting by Mayor Pro Tem Sparkle Adams, stunned some residents who were expecting to see Deyton at the meeting. Deyton, who is in her mid-70s, did not attend the meeting.
“After discussing this with my children and close friends, it is with mixed emotion I must retire as Mayor from the City of Forest Park. My retirement will be effective October,” Deyton said in a letter dated Aug. 27.
The letter cited recent “personal stress,” including the death of her longtime companion as well as undisclosed health issues.
City Manager John Parker said Deyton made her decision a couple of days ago but asked city officials not to announce it until Tuesday’s meeting, when her letter was read.
But one resident questioned the timing of Deyton’s letter and departure.
Kim James, who attended Tuesday’s meeting, said she filed an ethics complaint on Aug. 28 inquiring about Deyton’s continued absence and why the city was still paying her when she had not been at council meetings or met other mayoral obligations since May.
“She got almost $6,000 from the city as an absentee mayor and yet the city complained about $200 worth of T-shirts,” James said referring to the council’s removal of former City Councilwoman Karen-Brandee Williams last year for allegedly misusing money from her ward funds to purchase T-shirts to give to constituents. Williams’ seat remains vacant.
James began asking about Deyton’s absence about two months ago and said she was initially told by city officials they “didn’t know the reason for the absence.” James said she met with the mayor at one point and became concerned with Deyton’s “memory issues or impairments.”
James called Deyton’s decision to retire “a shocker,” but added, “I think it’s good for her. I wouldn’t want her to be taken advantage of.”
City officials said Tuesday night they weren’t aware of Deyton having any mental impairments.
“She had some problems. She has cataracts and problems getting around,” Parker said.
“I know of no diagnosis of any memory impairment or mental impairment,” City Attorney Joe Harris said.”In fact, she’s been coming in two to three days a week to sign checks and documents.”
Parker said he was saddened by Deyton’s announcement.
“She has accomplished many, many worthwhile projects for Forest Park,” he said. “One thing she’s always considered is what can I do to make the city a better place to live. To now see her retire certainly leaves a void.”
Councilwoman Latresa Akins, who joined the council last November, said, “She made a decision that was best for the city as well as herself. I wish her and her family the best. She’s been here so long, it will be an adjustment for her not being here.”
“I was expecting to see her (Tuesday night),” resident Virginia Ford said. “I’m surprised to hear (she’s retiring). I’d like to know why.”
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