JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – After John Hunter submitted his resignation letter as the mayor of Johnson City on Monday, local residents expressed their reactions, thoughts, and future hopes for the city’s commission.

For some, Hunter’s resignation did not come as a surprise after a video of him circulated on social media over the weekend.

“Initially, I felt a bit relieved,” shared community activist Dave Adams. “This year has been challenging for our city regarding accountability and transparency. I believe resigning was an honorable choice.”

“I was somewhat surprised, but I anticipated it might come to this,” expressed community member Carleen Claybaker. “Maintaining a sense of responsibility isn’t easy. As the mayor acknowledged, public servants are held to higher standards. This situation didn’t meet even the basic expectations. His resignation sets a necessary example.”

Other residents highlighted what they said was the importance of noticing local figures’ actions in the public eye.

“His conduct and actions matter, and there comes a point where something must give,” stated community activist Abigail Honeycutt. “I mentioned this during a commission meeting. There’s a principle: if you would steal a pen or lie about small things, you’ll lie about significant matters. So, his resignation isn’t surprising to me.”

Some residents see Hunter’s departure as an opportunity for the City Commission to start fresh and make progress.

“The City Commission members all seem very involved,” noted Keith McCoy, owner of Mulligan’s Pub. “I’ve known them for years, and I trust they will guide the city steadily. I’m eager to see their future plans, and I’m especially interested in who will succeed Mr. Hunter.”

“I think this is a great first step towards accountability,” Adams said. “I hope we follow through on this and don’t let this issue just die quietly as an embarrassing moment. I think this can be a great opportunity for our city to show a good amount of transparency and accountability.”

“I’m sorry this has happened from the standpoint of how it impacts the City Commission, who continue to represent us,” Claybaker said. “I hope they’re all giving very serious thought to how they have dealt with us as constituents and have had referred to us as constituents.”

The Johnson City Commission will discuss filling the vacancy on Thursday.