1/4/23

The city of Staunton is under new leadership this morning following the mayor’s resignation yesterday.

Andrea Oakes stepped down during the city’s reorganization meeting. The Staunton News Leader reports that Oakes was not present at the meeting, and her resignation letter was read by city attorney John Blair.

Oakes cited the recent announcement that she’s becoming a grandmother as the motivation behind her decision.

The city council voted unanimously to appoint Steve Claffey to the mayor’s seat, with Amy Darby as vice mayor.

By law, the vacant council seat must be filled within 45 days from yesterday.