VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) -- In a surprise announcement, Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms announced he would resign from his position and take a job in the private sector.
With tears in his eyes, Sessoms said, "For the past 30 years, it has been my privilege to serve the city I love."
He said he began contemplating the future of his family and the city and decided now is the right time to resign.
"I am announcing I will be stepping down from the Office of Mayor to pursue private sector employment opportunities," said Sessoms.
Sessoms said his last day as mayor would be April 30. He did not specify what his new job would be.
In a one on one interview, Sessoms said the catalyst for his departure was family-related. Sessoms said he started thinking about options in the private sector before his state of the city address.
"I sat back and discussed with the family that, you know if I had the opportunity to go back into the private sector, its something that I really really feel like I could do and I have a number of years still ahead of me and a lot of good productivity," said Sessoms.
When asked if he planned on returning to Townebank, Sessoms said, "I would be honored to go back to Townebank. "I have reached out to them but I can assure you that there is no formal agreement of any type and in addition, I do have other opportunities that I am discussing as well."
The timing of Sessoms' resignation is in question as well. The city is in the middle of a lawsuit due to its failed arena deal, it is awaiting the results of the racial disparity study and a budget still has to be adopted.
Vice Mayor Louis Jones will take over as interim mayor beginning May 1. Council members have 45 days to select another interim mayor if they so choose.
A special election for a new mayor will be held on November 6.
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