Barker resigns from county board Will remain Shawneetown mayor

SHAWNEETOWN - Shawneetown Mayor David Barker, who won a seat on Gallatin County Board in March, said he has resigned from county board because he can't hold both offices.

"I've made this decision to stay with the city because we have too many projects and grants we're working on to quit," Barker said. "I don't want to leave anything unfinished."

Barker's letter in its entirety, explaining his decision to voters, follows.

"To the voters of Gallatin County,

"I, David Barker, have recently resigned from the Gallatin County Board. I would like to take this opportunity to try and explain why I made the decision to resign.

"First, I would like to thank each and every voter who voted for me. It was greatly appreciated. I also want to thank the Gallatin County Board, the Elected Officials and the Employees of the Courthouse and want them to know I looked forward to working with all of them to help serve the public better and make our County a better place. After all, the public is who we all work for.

"I would not have run for the position had I known I could not sit as both the Mayor of Shawneetown and a County Board Member. I believed I could, knowing that other people sit on multiple boards. After being elected and sitting on the board, for a couple of months, questions did arise. The County Clerk let me and the County Board know, after talking to the Attorney General's Office, I could not sit as a County Board Member and be the Mayor of Shawneetown. I had a decision to make.

"The decision was tough; I wanted to help the County and the City of Shawneetown. The employees for the City are not only dedicated to me but also to the City and together we have accomplished a lot. We have done replacements of sewers, redoing the maintenance building, adding a building, we are trying to get a skate park for the kids and a housing grant, and much more. I want and feel obligated to stay and try and get these projects done. It's important to me as well as the employees. It's for the betterment of the City of Shawneetown.

"Again, I would like to thank everyone who voted for me and I believe, if we all work together, we can accomplish anything we set our minds to.

"Thank you, David Barker, Mayor, City of Shawneetown."