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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

With the passing of Billy Joe Driver, Clanton has a leadership vacancy that needs to be filled until a new mayor is elected.

Mayor Pro Tem Councilman Bobby Cook said the council is waiting to hear back from the Alabama League of Municipalities about the legal procedures for appointing an interim needed but that he will be filling the role.

The Clanton Council is expected to approve a resolution stating that Cook will fulfill the role of mayor for the next four months until the election selects a new mayor.

Driver had already announced his intentions not to run in this election prior to being diagnosed with COVID-19.

Cook said the Alabama League of Municipalities will also provide recommendation on whether the Council needs to appoint someone to fill his district seat on the Council while he is serving as mayor.

Municipal elections will be held on Aug. 25. Candidates can qualify between now and July 21 at 5 p.m.