Cookeville Council Commends Davidson’s Time as City Manager

Cookeville City Council members commended City Manager Mike Davidson for his efforts as they accepted his resignation letter Thursday.

Davidson will leave his position later this year on June 30 after taking a position elsewhere.

“I work with an exceptional group of men and women who truly care about this community. I am thankful for their support, but most of all, their friendship. I hope that my time with the City of Cookeville not only as City Manager but as Finance Director has been positive for the city, and that I have helped in some small way position Cookeville for the future.”

Vice Mayor Laurin Wheaton voiced her support of Davidson’s decision.

“I’ve said many times that the City of Cookeville is a well-oiled machine,” Wheaton said. “The way the city runs, the way the separate entities is something you don’t see very often. One reason is we’ve got great people working in the departments, and another reason is because of Mike Davidson.”

Councilman Eric Walker said Davidson has showed a great commitment to the community and residents of Cookeville.

“I greatly appreciate Mr. Mike Davidson’s contributions to our city,” Walker said. “He’s showed that he’s a true leader and a tremendous public servant to our community. I think the people of Cookeville have only benefited from Mr. Davidson’s many years of service here.”

Councilman Mark Miller said he jokingly pondered the possibility of the Council even voting down Davidson’s resignation.

“I was looking at this line item today. We were back there[in council chambers], and I was like ‘what happens if I vote no to accepting this resignation?'” Miller said. “Because I really appreciate what Mike Davidson’s done for us. Then there’d be some negative financial consequences… if I did vote no, so I will vote to accept his resignation.”

Mayor Ricky Shelton also commended Davidson on his efforts and supported his resignation.

“[Davidson] is an awesome man and he has served this city amazingly well,” Shelton said. “I will certainly miss him from that standpoint and from the really awesome leadership he provided in a very humble way. So we certainly appreciate that.”

City Council voted unanimously to accept Davidson’s resignation and appoint Planning Director James Mills to the City Manager position later this year.