Vice Mayor of Ashland resigns due to health concerns

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Vice Mayor of the town of Ashland has stepped down from the Town Council due to ongoing health concerns.

During the Town Council meeting on Tuesday, July 15, Mayor Steve Trivett announced the resignation of Vice Mayor John Hodges, who, effective Monday, July 14, stepped down after eight years, according to a release from the town.

In his resignation letter to the council, Hodges wrote:

“It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve the people of the Town over the past 8 years (August 2017 to July 2025). The support I have received from fellow Council Members and the staff has been outstanding and beyond expectations. I know I am leaving the Town in good hands and hope for nothing but the best for everyone in our wonderful community.” Vice Mayor John Hodges

John Hodges (Photo: Town of Ashland)

Hodges was elected to the town council in May 2018 and selected to be vice mayor in July of that year, according to the town, after he was originally appointed in 2017 to fill a vacant seat.

For 30 years, he worked for Hanover County, and retired in 2010.

“John’s steady presence, institutional knowledge, and kind heart will be missed at Town Hall,” said Mayor Trivett. “He is the very best of public service—humble, honest, and wholly devoted to his community.”

“Vice Mayor Hodges has given so much of himself to this community,” said Town Manager Joshua Farrar. “His legacy will guide our work for years to come. We’re grateful for his service and we’ll continue moving forward with the same spirit of integrity and care that he exemplified.”

The Town Council appointed former council member Kathy Abbot to fill the open seat on the council. The town said she represented Ashland on regional boards and commissions.

According to the town, the seat is up for the upcoming Nov. 4 election -- which was a "deliberate" choice to reportedly keep "with Vice Mayor Hodges’ wishes, to maintain the fairness and integrity of the election process."

A formal vote is scheduled for Aug. 5, per the county. Abbott will be sworn in and take her seat during a council meeting on Aug. 15.