SOUTHAVEN, MS (abc24.com) - The Southaven Board of Aldermen plan to vote on a resolution requesting the resignation of Mayor Greg Davis.
The board will meet on January 6, 2012, and has notified Mayor Davis by email of their intent.
The notice went up at city hall Thursday afternoon, and word of it quickly spread through town.
"I think he should," said Leslie Chumley. "That's my decision. He shouldn't be here anymore. Resign, go on with it, and get someone else new in here."
"I think what's necessary to happen will happen," said Cynthia Reynolds. "I just hope for him to have the best. He knows what he needs to do and that's it."
Many in Southaven have been asking for this ever since Davis' questionable spending habits were made public in November. He's being investigated by the state and was ordered to repay $170,000 in tax payer money.
Mayor Davis has submitted $44,000 in receipts, and a check on his behalf for $96,000 was sent to the state auditor's office in December. Aldermen were given packets to review the submitted receipts, which included expensive dinners, thousands of dollars in tips, and at least $18,000 in alcohol.
It's angered many in Southaven, but not all are ready to see Davis go.
"I don't think he should resign," said Janice Videl. "He's been there for a long time. He should stay. He's a good person."
Davis has been in office since 1997, and he's brought new businesses to town. A few, like Videl, said that should count for something.
"All they should do is just ask him to repay the money," she told abc24.com. "I think whatever you've done in the past should speak instead of one issue. Let him pay back the money instead of resign."
By law, they cannot impeach Davis; he must either resign or be convicted of a felony in order to be removed from office. Even with the aldermen's request, Davis could finish his four-year term, which ends in 2013.
Not all voters agree.
"Ask yourself the question, does he deserve to be mayor?" asked Gary Nolan. "He shouldn't have a choice as to whether he resigns or not."
Board members told abc24.com that the state investigation into Davis has become a detriment to the city. They were notified last month that MDOT is withholding over $800,000 in grants for city improvements pending the outcome of the investigation.
Friday's meeting starts at noon at City Hall. Davis, who has been out of the office since the holidays, has not yet issued a response or said if he will be present.
