After an accomplished—and often tumultuous--run as Middleburgh’s mayor, Trish Bergan has resigned.
Ms. Bergan wasn’t seeking re-election.
Deputy Mayor Tim Knight—who is running for mayor—had been expected to step in as mayor until the end of the year.
But after a surprise discovery that Mr. Knight, Trustee Bob Tinker, and Ms. Bergan had never signed their oaths of office, that’s not possible.
Mr. Knight and Mr. Tinker are now “de facto” trustees; it will take action by the state Legislature to restore their status. (See related story.)
Mr. Knight did not return repeated requests for comment.
Ms. Bergan’s resignation is effective immediately; she said Saturday she’d given trustees the news last Wednesday but agreed to wait a few days before going public with it.
“I’m leaving Middleburgh a better place, as a vibrant community,” she said.
“Most of the projects we’ve been working on, they’re 99.99 percent completed. I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished. It’s a good time for me to step away.”
Among those accomplishments:
Completing Phase 2 of the Gorge Creek Project, new sidewalks, and a new wastewater treatment plant.
Ms. Bergan served as trustee before being elected mayor and at times, was at odds with the Village Board.
In February 2022, trustees—Mr. Knight, Sheryl Adams, Mr. Tinker, and Shane Foland—demanded Ms. Bergan step down after a vote of “no confidence,” over her handling of a discussion regarding then-Code Enforcement Office Lloyd Stannard that they said should have been held in executive session.
Also part of trustees’ call for Ms. Bergan’s resignation: the fact that she let frequent village critics Dave Jeremenko and Tony Anderson attend a meeting in-person during COVID restrictions, and that she allowed Mr. Jeremenko to speak during Mr. Stannard’s report, both on February 7, 2022.
The community came to Ms. Bergan’s defense and publicly, the issue died.
Ms. Bergan said she’s resigning now—and not waiting until the November election—because she’s exhausted and worn down by the non-stop public bashing on social media.
“I’m tired and time is precious,” she said.
“Anyone who holds public office knows it’s a thankless job—as well as an honor to serve. But social media…it takes its toll on you. I’m worn out.”
According to the Board of Elections, it’s not automatic that a deputy mayor assumes the major’s job; it depends on the village’s own by-laws.
Candidates for mayor and trustee have until May 23-30 to file their petitions for November’s election.
The seats held by Mr. Tinker, Mr. Knight and Amanda Fernandez, appointed to replace Mr. Foland after he resigned, will be on the ballot.

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