By Associated Press
Foley, AL – In a surprise announcement, Foley Mayor Tim Russell has resigned. He was serving his third term and said it was a difficult decision, but he felt he had to make. Russell, the owner of an insurance agency in Foley, said he has been called on by Alabama's Congressional delegation to help address the insurance crisis spreading across the country and specifically in Baldwin and Mobile counties. He said the growing crisis is one of the worse to face the insurance industry in 34 years. Only a hand full of citizens knew about the mayor's decision. He told members of the city council in a work session Monday night. Donna Watts, the executive director of South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, said the city is still in good hands, but admitted being shaken by the news. Foley City Councilman John Koniar, mayor pro tem, will handle mayoral duties until the city council elects someone to fill the remaining two years in Russell's term.