The Abbeville Mayor Trey Edwards announced his resignation from his position as mayor effective immediately. The former mayor released the following statement:” I am announcing my resignation as Mayor of Abbeville, effective immediately.This decision follows months of ongoing conflict, including a coordinated censure effort, repeated false statements about my leadership, and what I believe to be a deeply rooted culture of corruption and self-interest within city government.During my time in office, I have witnessed a pattern of behavior that should concern every citizen of Abbeville. This includes the misuse of authority, conflicts of interest, selective enforcement of ordinances, and decisions influenced more by personal and financial gain than by the needs of the public. In my view, these actions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader systemic problem.I have also observed a consistent lack of transparency in leadership. Critical information has been withheld, decisions have been made without full council awareness, and efforts to seek accountability have been met with resistance, delay, and obstruction. My attempts to bring these concerns forward—both internally and through appropriate external channels—have not resulted in meaningful change.There have been instances where individuals in positions of authority have used their roles in ways that raise serious ethical concerns. Public resources and influence have, at times, been leveraged for personal benefit. Additionally, I have seen qualified leadership undermined and replaced through processes that lacked openness and clear justification, ultimately impacting public trust and the effectiveness of city services.I take responsibility for my role in decisions made during my tenure, including those where I was not provided complete or accurate information. These experiences have only strengthened my belief that transparency and accountability are essential to effective governance—both of which are currently lacking.For example, I voted in favor of a dock fee affecting Lake Secession residents without being provided what I later learned was critical information, including a deficiency report. Had I been given that information, I would not have supported that decision.Let me be clear: Abbeville has dedicated public servants who care deeply about this community. However, it also has a system that too often enables poor decision-making, discourages independent leadership, and protects those who prioritize themselves over the people they were elected to serve.I did not enter this role to be a passive participant. I have never been willing to remain silent in the face of wrongdoing, and I will not start now. Unfortunately, speaking out has repeatedly resulted in being targeted, undermined, and portrayed as the problem rather than the issues themselves being addressed.At this point, I can no longer, in good conscience, remain part of a system that I believe is failing the people of Abbeville. Continuing in this position would require me to compromise the very principles I was elected to uphold.Additionally, I must recognize the personal toll this ongoing conflict has taken on my health, and I am choosing to prioritize my well-being.The citizens of Abbeville deserve a government that operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability. Until there is a fundamental shift in leadership and culture, I believe the challenges facing this city will persist.I encourage the public to ask questions, demand answers, and hold their elected officials accountable. Real change will only come when there is a clear expectation that those in power serve the community—not themselves.Thank you to those who supported me and stood beside me during my time as Mayor. Your support will not be forgotten.”The resignation comes after ethics complaints were filed against city officials, questions were raised about funding allocations, and the former mayor going to head-to-head with elected officials on water safety in the city.Keep up with what’s happening around our area by downloading the WYFF News 4 app on the App Store or Google Play.
The Abbeville Mayor Trey Edwards announced his resignation from his position as mayor effective immediately.
The former mayor released the following statement:
” I am announcing my resignation as Mayor of Abbeville, effective immediately.
This decision follows months of ongoing conflict, including a coordinated censure effort, repeated false statements about my leadership, and what I believe to be a deeply rooted culture of corruption and self-interest within city government.
During my time in office, I have witnessed a pattern of behavior that should concern every citizen of Abbeville. This includes the misuse of authority, conflicts of interest, selective enforcement of ordinances, and decisions influenced more by personal and financial gain than by the needs of the public. In my view, these actions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader systemic problem.
I have also observed a consistent lack of transparency in leadership. Critical information has been withheld, decisions have been made without full council awareness, and efforts to seek accountability have been met with resistance, delay, and obstruction. My attempts to bring these concerns forward—both internally and through appropriate external channels—have not resulted in meaningful change.
There have been instances where individuals in positions of authority have used their roles in ways that raise serious ethical concerns. Public resources and influence have, at times, been leveraged for personal benefit. Additionally, I have seen qualified leadership undermined and replaced through processes that lacked openness and clear justification, ultimately impacting public trust and the effectiveness of city services.
I take responsibility for my role in decisions made during my tenure, including those where I was not provided complete or accurate information. These experiences have only strengthened my belief that transparency and accountability are essential to effective governance—both of which are currently lacking.
For example, I voted in favor of a dock fee affecting Lake Secession residents without being provided what I later learned was critical information, including a deficiency report. Had I been given that information, I would not have supported that decision.
Let me be clear: Abbeville has dedicated public servants who care deeply about this community. However, it also has a system that too often enables poor decision-making, discourages independent leadership, and protects those who prioritize themselves over the people they were elected to serve.
I did not enter this role to be a passive participant. I have never been willing to remain silent in the face of wrongdoing, and I will not start now. Unfortunately, speaking out has repeatedly resulted in being targeted, undermined, and portrayed as the problem rather than the issues themselves being addressed.
At this point, I can no longer, in good conscience, remain part of a system that I believe is failing the people of Abbeville. Continuing in this position would require me to compromise the very principles I was elected to uphold.
Additionally, I must recognize the personal toll this ongoing conflict has taken on my health, and I am choosing to prioritize my well-being.
The citizens of Abbeville deserve a government that operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability. Until there is a fundamental shift in leadership and culture, I believe the challenges facing this city will persist.
I encourage the public to ask questions, demand answers, and hold their elected officials accountable. Real change will only come when there is a clear expectation that those in power serve the community—not themselves.
Thank you to those who supported me and stood beside me during my time as Mayor. Your support will not be forgotten.”
The resignation comes after ethics complaints were filed against city officials, questions were raised about funding allocations, and the former mayor going to head-to-head with elected officials on water safety in the city.
Keep up with what’s happening around our area by downloading the WYFF News 4 app on the App Store or Google Play.