GREGORY, Texas — Celestino Zambrano ends 22 years of public service to the city of Gregory after resigning as the city's mayor.
He spoke out about his reasons for resigning in an exclusive interview with KRIS 6 News.
He says he doesn't agree with an ordinance that was approved by the city council on Sept. 8.
That item was brought back before the council on Sept. 21 and approved 3-2. Mayor Pro Tem Odilia P. Reyes and Alderman Christina Zambrano voted no and Alderman Christopher Flores, Alderman Alvaro Lopez Jr. and Alderman Pablo Martinez voted yes in support of the ordinance.
The item in question calls for the temporary disbanding of the Planning and Zoning Commission due to a lack of individuals willing to serve, Zambrano said.
But, there are plenty of residents willing to sit on the commission, he said.
"Therefore after some discussion, the council decided to take action, they decided to take action to disband the Planning and Zoning Commission," Zambrano said. "In my opinion, without due consideration of the special counsel of the city."
Zambrano told KRIS 6 News that the decision to disband the commission was made against the advice of their special counsel.
As a result, he said he did not feel comfortable continuing to serve as a mayor.
“Three members can override and make decisions, and at this point, based on this outcome, I don't feel comfortable in good faith to continue,” Zambrano said.
KRIS 6 News reached out to Flores and Martinez, both declined to comment on the resignation and the decision to disband the Planning & Zoning Commission. Lopez did not answer our phone call.
Mayor Zambrano has one message for city officials.
“I just feel like the city has to keep moving forward, I just feel like the city council needs to slow down and think before they act," he said. "I feel like I have left the city in a well-placed financial position.”
Mayor Zambrano's last day in Oct. 2.
Alderwoman Kristina Zambrano's resignation letter stated her other commitments have become far too great for her to effectively serve her position.
