Former Bridgeport Mayor Mario Blount gives his resignation speech during Monday’s Bridgeport City Council meeting.
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Bridgeport Mayor Mario Blount resigned Monday night, just four days before he is scheduled for a plea hearing in federal court on drug charges.
Blount also filed for personal bankruptcy last Friday, listing $185,432.84 in assets, and $1,550,085.96 in liabilities.
On Friday, Blount is expected to plea to: One count of an oxycodone/oxymorphone conspiracy; one count of false or fraudulent material omission; and one count of distribution of oxymorphone.
Blount gave his resignation speech during the mayor’s report. He walked to the podium to address city officials and the public.
“When I was elected to serve the city, I said it was the greatest appointment in my life …. Serving the 8,149 citizens of Bridgeport has been one of my greatest honors. … It has been very distressing, and I am thankful for all the support.
“I have an overriding responsibility for those I love,” he said, mentioning his wife, daughter and other members of his family. “I apologize for not meeting the standards of the city. … I have done my very best and given my all. … I am confident Bridgeport is a better place today,” Blount said.
He said he regretfully resigned, effective immediately, and expressed gratitude for the 14 months he served as mayor. He said Recorder Robert Greer would assume the responsibility of mayor.
Blount embraced each city official individually before gathering his things and leaving the meeting just a few minutes after it began…
