Sylva Town Mayor Lynda Sossamon resigned effective Thursday, January 26, following more than seven years leading the Jackson County town.
In a letter to the public, Sossamon explained a planned heart surgery has resulted in serious complications.
“I am making good progress but must devote my full efforts into recovering my health. The Town of Sylva deserves the full attention of its mayor and currently, I am unable to see to town matters with the detail needed,” Sossamon said in the letter.
Before her service as mayor, Sossamon served for nine years as a town commissioner. In her resignation letter,she highlighted a number of projects she was proud of during her tenure:
- the Downtown Streetscape Revitalization
- becoming a part of the NC Main Street Program
- Sylva’s addition to the National Register of Historic Places
- the preservation of a portion of the Plott Balsams with Pinnacle Park
- the Blackrock Creek Conservation Easement
- securing funding for the Allen Street Slope Failure Repair
- securing funding for the Bryson Park Repair and upgrade
“I would like to thank the residents of Sylva for your support,” Sossamon wrote. “Serving you as an elected official for sixteen years has been a joy. I am proud of Sylva and what we have accomplished together and look forward to what the future holds for our wonderful town.”
The town board will discuss next steps at its meeting at 9 a.m. Thursday, January 26.
