Smyrna’s Mayor Steps Down, Blames His Day Job

Tony Dover served on the town council of Smyrna before being mayor. He was born and raised in Rutherford County.

The mayor of Smyrna is resigning due to changes at his day job. He made the announcement Thursday afternoon and he officially left office at 4 pm.

All of Smyrna’s elected offices are part-time positions, paying a few hundred dollars a month. According to the town’s website, Tony Dover’s other position is directing the IT department of Medical Reimbursements of America.

Dover says changing demands at that job no longer leave him the time necessary be mayor. So rather than finish out the year remaining in his term, Dover said in a letter and web video that he will leave the post immediately.
“It takes a strong person to accept the challenge of elected office,” he said. “But it also takes a strong person to know when it is time to give it up.”

Dover has been mayor since 2009. Vice-Mayor Mary Esther Reed will take his place.