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Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 11:24 PM
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Bastrop mayor resigns

BASTROP — Lyle Nelson resigned as mayor of Bastrop Tuesday, Jan. 14, effective immediately, citing discord among city leaders and allegations of misconduct.

Nelson, who took office in May 2023, announced his decision during a press conference at City Hall, which was streamed live on social media. 

“I will no longer be a focal point for these self-serving interests to deflect from their action to over-promise and under-deliver to our community,” Nelson said. “I can no longer be associated with elected and appointed officials that place their self-interest above their public service obligation. To that end, today, I am resigning as mayor of the city of Bastrop, effective immediately.”

Nelson was facing a recall election initiated by a public petition last May. While expressing confidence that he would have prevailed, he stated the election would not resolve the animosity and discord among council members. 

Comments on the city’s official Facebook page following the announcement reflected public support for Nelson’s claims of discontent within the community. 

Concerns raised by residents in the past point to rumors of misconduct and alleged misuse of public funds by the now-former mayor. Nelson addressed those allegations during the short conference, stating that investigations conducted by the district attorney and Texas Rangers found no evidence of criminal activity or financial wrongdoing.

“From the outset I, and the office of mayor, have been under attack by certain city council members,” Nelson added. “They used public resources and taxpayer funds to prevent me from serving the citizens as their mayor. They passed resolutions that restrict me from being able to respond to, and represent, our citizens. Unsubstantiated allegations led to unproven accusations that were later completely dismissed.” 

Nelson accused his detractors of spreading falsehoods and wasting taxpayer money on what he described as a politically motivated witch hunt, led by a rival.

“The office of mayor has been subverted by a voting block of three on council at the prompting of Mayor Pro Tem (John) Kirkland, who gains personal power through that subversion,” he said.

With Nelson’s resignation, Kirkland will serve as interim mayor until a new candidate is elected in May.


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