Johnson City Mayor resigns after viral video surfaces

Johnson City Mayor John Hunter submitted his resignation to the City Commission on Monday after a video showing Hunter allegedly drunk in a restaurant parking lot went viral.

In his letter, Hunter said he did not want to be a distraction for fellow city leaders and it has been a privilege to serve the city for 20 years. The video showed Hunter outside and he appears to stagger on his feet, ending with Hunter driving out of the parking lot in his vehicle. Hunter has not been charged with any violation.

The timing of the video coincided with a vote last month that called for bars & restaurants to stop serving alcohol at 1 pm due to downtown safety concerns.

The council meets Thursday for a work session where they will formally accept Hunter’s resignation and Vice Mayor Greg Cox will immediately step into the role.

(IMAGE: FILE)