Calypso looking for mayor
By Turner Walston
Published in News on May 10, 2006 1:46 PM
Calypso is a town without a mayor. The town of 432, just across the county line in Duplin, is searching for leadership.
Dr. Greg Day, campus minister at Mount Olive College, was elected mayor in November as a write-in candidate. He received 11 votes. Day served until he submitted his resignation on Feb. 21, making it effective March 1.
"The previous mayor had to step down for personal reasons," said Alan Story, Calypso's mayor pro tem and commissioner of streets and ditches.
But no one seems to want to step up for the head job.
"Nobody's name has been brought before the board at this point," said town clerk Loretta Lanier.
At this point, Story said, Calypso is doing just fine without a mayor.
"It's on our monthly agenda, but nobody's come forward and expressed an interest in being the mayor right now, and things are running along fairly well," he said. "It's just kind of on the table."
With commissioner duties delegated, Tom Reaves, a former mayor, is handling water and sewer issues. At town hall, Mrs. Lanier continues to handle day-to-day issues for the town.
"I think like any organization, she's running it," Story said. "She's doing a great job for us."
Perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise that the mayor's desk is empty. The mayor wasn't the only position elected by write-in votes in November. No one filed for the county commissioners spots, either.
"Strange, but that's Calypso for you," Mrs. Lanier said.